Tackle mother-child HIV transmission, Margaret Kenyatta tells Machakos leaders

First lady Margaret Kenyatta launched the 32nd Beyond Zero mobile clinic on Friday in Machakos County.

She also promised to work closely with Machakos County Government to ensure that the lives of mothers and children improve.

“As the Beyond Zero campaign lands in Machakos County today, I would like to assure you that we look forward to working with you on more innovative solutions to improve the lives of mothers and children. We must make sure that we get zero preventable maternal and child deaths in Machakos County and also stop mother to child transmission of HIV during child birth.” she said

She urged the leadership of Machakos County and its residents to be vigilant against the war on HIV/AIDS adding that the Mombasa-Nairobi highway is prone to cases which promote spread of the disease and needs to be dealt with urgently.

The First Lady told leaders that they should provide alternatives for young girls that will enable them to abandon risky lifestyles and adopt other methods of income generation.

Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua welcomed the Beyond Zero initiative saying that his government is at the forefront of fighting maternal and infant mortality.

“We are committed in Machakos to roll back maternal and infant mortality because over 64 percent of expectant mothers are now visiting the hospitals through the help of our ambulances but we want to get it to the 100 percent mark,” Governor Mutua expressed.

Governor Mutua reiterated that he will not be part of cheap politics but will ensure that residents of Machakos achieve development through his Maendeleo Chap Chap initiative.

Speaking for the Kamba community

Mutua also mentioned that the time for one person to negotiate on behalf of Kamba community has come to an end adding that the new constitution gives the people power to call the shots.

He asserted that whoever wanted to talk to the Kamba community on development issues should talk to the elected leaders as Machakos has three governors in the region, three senators, women representatives, MPs and MCAs.

In January 2014, Margaret launched the Beyond Zero Foundation which was formed to partner with the government in reducing maternal and child mortality.