By The PPH Foundation
Postpartum haemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal deaths in Kenya, and its impact is often magnified by anaemia. Many women arrive in labour with low haemoglobin levels, leaving them dangerously vulnerable to blood loss during childbirth. When excessive bleeding occurs, anaemia accelerates shock, delays recovery, and significantly increases the risk of death. Addressing anaemia before delivery, while ensuring access to safe blood during emergencies, is therefore central to preventing deaths from postpartum haemorrhage.
Anaemia in pregnancy is largely preventable. Regular antenatal screening, iron and folic acid supplementation, improved nutrition, and treatment of infections such as malaria and intestinal worms can substantially improve maternal blood levels before delivery. Women who enter labour with adequate haemoglobin are better able to tolerate blood loss and respond to treatment when complications arise. Prevention strengthens resilience long before a woman reaches the labour ward.
Dr Beverly Mitei, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, emphasises that anaemia is often underestimated in maternal care. She notes that “many women present late in pregnancy with undiagnosed or poorly managed anaemia. When postpartum haemorrhage occurs, even moderate bleeding can quickly become fatal because the body has no reserve.” She adds that strengthening antenatal detection and treatment of anaemia is one of the most effective ways to reduce severe PPH outcomes.
Yet even with strong prevention, some cases of postpartum haemorrhage remain unpredictable. When bleeding is rapid and uncontrollable, access to safe blood becomes the difference between life and death. Blood transfusion restores oxygen delivery, stabilises circulation, and buys critical time for definitive care. Weak blood systems therefore translate directly into maternal deaths.
Recognising this, the End Postpartum Haemorrhage Initiative has prioritised community-based blood mobilisation alongside anaemia prevention. Prof Julius Ogeng’o, Co-Lead of the End PPH Initiative, has been instrumental in advancing the ROAMING Blood Initiative, which takes blood donation services closer to communities. He explains that “PPH cannot be managed without blood. By decentralising blood mobilisation, we reduce delays and ensure that lifesaving blood is available where mothers need it most.”
Importantly, anaemia prevention and blood donation are not competing priorities. Well-regulated blood services screen donors, defer those with low haemoglobin, and maintain safe donation intervals. At the same time, improving nutrition and maternal health expands the pool of healthy donors, strengthening national blood supplies. Healthier communities are better positioned to both give and receive lifesaving blood.
The End PPH Initiative in collaboration with the University of Nairobi, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society, and the Midwives Association of Kenya, continues to advocate for integrated solutions. Preventing anaemia before birth and ensuring blood availability during emergencies creates a balanced system that protects women across the full continuum of maternity care.
Ending deaths from postpartum haemorrhage requires strong blood before delivery, safe blood during emergencies, and coordinated systems that connect prevention with response.
Sources
World Health Organization, Anaemia in pregnancy and maternal outcomes
Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, Maternal mortality and maternal health indicators
World Health Organization, Postpartum haemorrhage prevention and management
UNFPA, Blood systems and emergency obstetric care