In Garissa County, a powerful collaboration is taking root, one that brings together faith and public health to tackle the persistent challenge of maternal and newborn deaths. On the frontline of this movement are women religious leaders, empowered through a strategic advocacy engagement led by Fountain of Hope Organization (FoH), an implementing partner under the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI), with support from the International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya (ICRHK).
The engagement brought together 40 women religious leaders for a dynamic workshop facilitated by the County Reproductive Health Coordinator, Fatuma Ibrahim. The objective was clear: to position these trusted voices as champions of maternal and newborn health (MNH) in their communities and to equip them with the knowledge and tools to lead change from within.
Participants were introduced to the goals and strategies of the OMMI project, which aims to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths through improved access to skilled care, strengthened community health systems, and culturally sensitive advocacy. Leaders engaged in discussions around the barriers that women face ranging from myths and misinformation to poor access to health facilities and explored how religious platforms can be used to promote positive health-seeking behaviors.
The leaders, who hold significant influence in their congregations and women’s groups, shared their commitment to incorporating MNH messages into their teachings, prayer sessions, and fellowship gatherings. Many spoke passionately about the opportunity to speak directly to vulnerable women, build trust around health services, and advocate for facility-based deliveries and early antenatal care.
Importantly, the engagement also addressed gaps in male involvement in maternal health, and leaders emphasized the need to engage men many of whom make key health decisions in dialogue about their role in supporting safe motherhood. The workshop concluded with strong calls for faith-health collaboration, including joint forums, community sensitization efforts, and referral support for pregnant women.
Challenges such as deep-rooted cultural beliefs, low health literacy, and resource limitations for outreach were openly discussed. However, the energy and resolve in the room reflected a strong willingness to overcome these hurdles and act collectively. As one participant noted, “We are not just leaders in faith, we are leaders in life and saving lives begins with us.”
This advocacy engagement represents a major step forward in localizing the OMMI approach in Garissa County. By working alongside women religious leaders, ICRHK and FoH are tapping into trusted, values-based networks to drive sustainable change in maternal and newborn health.
Together, through faith and action, we can ensure no mother or newborn is left behind.