The Nakuru County Department of Health continues to strengthen reproductive health services by placing emphasis on preconception care, a key intervention that plays a central role in improving pregnancy outcomes and safeguarding the health of both mothers and children. By focusing on health before pregnancy occurs, the department is addressing risks early and laying a foundation for safer conception, delivery, and child survival across the county.
Preconception care involves a range of health services aimed at identifying and managing factors that may negatively affect pregnancy. One of the core areas of focus is the nutritional status of women of reproductive age. Being underweight or overweight has been linked to complications during conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. Through nutrition assessment, counseling, and appropriate interventions, preconception care supports women to attain and maintain a healthy body status before pregnancy, reducing avoidable risks during maternal care.
Another key component of preconception care is the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of infections. Timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment of infections before and during pregnancy help reduce the risk of transmission to the baby, particularly during pregnancy and delivery. Integrating PMTCT within preconception services ensures that women receive early interventions, contributing to better maternal and newborn health outcomes.
Genetic and environmental factors are also addressed under preconception care. Through genetic counseling, carrier screening, testing, and treatment where necessary, health workers are able to identify potential hereditary conditions that may affect pregnancy or child development. Early identification allows families to make informed health decisions while supporting improved outcomes for both mother and baby.
The management and stabilization of pre-existing medical conditions form another critical pillar of preconception care. Conditions such as anaemia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain genetic disorders can lead to complications if not well managed before pregnancy. By identifying these conditions early and ensuring proper follow-up and treatment, health facilities reduce the risk of maternal and newborn illness and death.
Speaking during a departmental meeting, County Chief Nurse Wendy Tirop highlighted the importance of preconception care in improving reproductive health outcomes within Nakuru County. She called on sub-county reproductive health coordinators to ensure that preconception care services are cascaded to all service delivery points within health facilities. This approach, she noted, will promote consistency in service provision and increase access for women across different levels of care.
County Reproductive Health Coordinator Nancy Chelule also emphasized the role of preconception care as an integral part of reproductive health services. She noted that identifying and addressing health concerns early supports safer pregnancies, improves maternal health, and contributes to better child survival outcomes. According to the coordinator, strengthening preconception care services will support the county’s efforts to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality.
Through these initiatives, the Nakuru County Department of Health is reinforcing its commitment to preventive healthcare by integrating preconception care into routine reproductive health services. By focusing on early intervention, risk reduction, and coordinated service delivery, the department continues to support healthier pregnancies and improved reproductive health outcomes for families across Nakuru County.