Mama na Mwana: Taking Maternal and Newborn Health Support Closer to Communities

St John Ambulance Kenya (SJAK) is strengthening maternal and newborn health through the Mama na Mwana Programme, a community-based initiative designed to improve access to essential health information, support and services for mothers, babies and families. SJAK joined the wider St John initiative through a pilot in 2025, with implementation focused on Ongata Rongai Sub-County in Kajiado North.

The programme is built around the understanding that improving maternal and newborn health requires more than services at health facilities. Families also need timely information, community support and clear links to appropriate healthcare services.

Reaching families where they live

Through Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and St John volunteers, Mama na Mwana engages families directly within their communities. Household visits and community health sessions provide mothers, fathers and caregivers with information on antenatal care, postnatal care, skilled deliveries, family planning, immunization, nutrition and other important maternal and child health practices.

Community Health Promoters also identify mothers who may require additional support and facilitate referrals to health facilities, helping strengthen the connection between households and the formal healthcare system. The programme encourages women to begin antenatal care early, maintain regular contact with health services, use facility-based delivery services and recognise maternal and newborn danger signs that require immediate attention.

The wider family is part of the approach. Fathers, caregivers and other household members are encouraged to participate in discussions around maternal and newborn health so that mothers have a stronger support environment before and after delivery.

Early results from the 2025 pilot

During the 2025 pilot, Mama na Mwana reached 4,003 primary beneficiaries and delivered more than 27,800 community health lessons, exceeding its annual targets. Community referrals contributed to increased engagement with maternal health services, including antenatal attendance and facility-based deliveries in the programme area.

Data collected through household visits, community engagement and regular reporting helps the programme understand family needs, monitor activities, identify gaps and support evidence-based decision making. This combines community engagement with data-driven implementation so that activities remain grounded in the realities of the communities being served.

Working through partnerships

Progress has been supported by collaboration between St John Ambulance Kenya, St John International, Community Health Promoters, health facilities, county government, community leaders and other local stakeholders. These partnerships help strengthen referrals, coordination and the connection between communities and available services.

As implementation continues, SJAK will build on the pilot by strengthening community engagement, data collection, partnerships and links with health facilities. Mama na Mwana also builds on SJAK's wider experience in first aid, emergency medical services, community health, volunteerism and humanitarian response.