Since 2008, Ministry of Health policy in Kenya has allowed for medical officers and clinical officers working in reproductive health to provide surgical care for obstetric and other emergencies in areas where there is no specialist.
However, this policy has not been implemented in a systematic way throughout Kenya. The goal of this Medtronic-funded project is to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the policy and further advocating for expansion of safe surgical services across the country.
Jhpiego is working in Kisumu County to demonstrate that non-specialist medical officers and reproductive health clinical officers are able to effectively perform cesarean sections and laparotomies, thereby increasing the availability of these lifesaving services.