Opportunities to Integrate Primary Health Care Digital Innovations in Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Kenya

This baseline study, conducted in three rural counties in Kenya (Kisii, Kajiado, and Migori), assessed opportunities for integrating digital innovations into Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) services within Primary Health Care (PHC) settings. Despite high skilled birth attendance, the study found discontinuity in antenatal and postnatal care, with only 46.8% of mothers attending at least one ANC visit. Barriers included limited facility access, poor staff attitudes, and cultural practices, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over half of the women lacked knowledge on perinatal care, and decision-making on sexual and reproductive health was largely male-dominated. PHC workers faced challenges such as limited access to digital tools, internet, and professional development. Only 54% of women were enrolled in the Linda Mama NHIF package, and ICT infrastructure in rural PHC facilities remained weak. The study recommends feasibility studies on sustainable digital health solutions to improve MNCH service access, quality, and utilization in underserved areas.

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