By The PPH Foundation

Effective media and strategic communication are pivotal in transforming maternal health outcomes. In Kenya, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal deaths, yet awareness and timely action are often hindered by myths, silence, and misinformation. The media plays a central role in reshaping these narratives, ensuring that communities, health providers, and policymakers understand the urgency and interventions needed to save mothers’ lives.

The End PPH Initiative, a project by the PPH Foundation in collaboration with the University of Nairobi, Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS), and Midwives Association of Kenya (MAK), underscores the power of media in driving change. By generating evidence-based stories, hosting expert discussions, and engaging audiences through social platforms, the initiative amplifies life-saving messages on recognising, preventing, and managing postpartum bleeding.

Prof Moses Obimbo, Project Lead of the End PPH Initiative, highlights that “media is not just a reporting tool; it is a partner in saving lives. Through consistent coverage, storytelling, and advocacy, journalists and media houses help communities understand that postpartum haemorrhage is a medical emergency, and that timely intervention can prevent tragedy.”

Dr Kireki Omanwa, the President of Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) and a Co-Lead of the End PPH Initiative, adds that strategic communication shifts perceptions and motivates action. “When families, health workers, and policymakers are informed, delays in care reduce, blood donation initiatives gain traction, and maternal health becomes a shared responsibility.”

By collaborating with national and county media outlets, the End PPH Initiative has successfully disseminated stories, radio discussions, and social media campaigns that highlight the realities of PPH, innovations in care, and the critical role of community and health systems. Media-driven narratives have also helped to normalise male involvement, promote timely referral, and raise awareness on the importance of blood availability for emergency obstetric care.

The End PPH Initiative demonstrates that media is more than communication; it is an intervention. Accurate, engaging, and persistent messaging ensures that postpartum haemorrhage is no longer hidden, and that communities act to save lives.

Sources:
• WHO guidance on media and health communication for maternal health