The government has announced that the Linda Mama programme will continue under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a statement on Thursday, August 15, 2024, SHA acting CEO Elijah Wachira said the programme, which has been facing an uncertain future, will now be available for Kenyan mothers.
“Social Health Authority is proud to announce the continued success of the Linda Mama Program, now under the management of SHA,” Wachira stated.
Wachira says since its launch in 2013, the program has provided crucial maternal care to 7.5 million expectant mothers.
“In the last financial year, 1 million mothers benefited from the program, with over 70% of deliveries in public healthcare facilities,” he said.
New Linda Mama
In the new cover by SHA, expectant mothers will get care during their pregnancy and delivery and in case of complications mother and baby will be cared for.
Also, SHA will take care of the mother and baby after delivery.
“Mothers and mothers-to-be are encouraged to continue accessing these essential services at the nearest healthcare facility/hospital. The Social Health Authority reaffirms the commitment to the well-being of mothers and their children nationwide. The Linda Mama program, which has been instrumental in providing crucial maternal and child health services, will ensure mothers get enhanced benefits seamlessly under the management of the Social Health Authority,” Wachira added.
This comes despite the High Court on July 12 declaring the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which will be run by SHA, unconstitutional citing among other reasons, a lack of public participation in coming up with the new healthcare programme.
Speaking last week, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government was committing Ksh2 billion towards the Linda Mama programme.
“I want to confirm that it is coming back bigger and better. We are a listening government, we are a listening ministry. We do public participation and when p****e tell us this is what they want, then it is packaged together,” Muthoni.
“It is the Social Health Authority that will decide which funds go to Linda Mama and what goes to the Social Health Insurance Fund. NHIF is extended until when SHIF is going to roll out,” she added.