MMUST’s Dr. Everlyne Morema Trains Kisumu Healthcare Practitioners on Preconception Care Services in an Effort to Improve Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
Dr. Everlyne Morema, a researcher at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has spearheaded a training for Kisumu County Healthcare practitioners, aimed at improving preconception care services for better maternal and neonatal outcomes. The training, which took place on Thursday, 24th April, 2025, at the Kisumu District Hospital, comes after Dr. Morema won a USD 20,000 grant for a postdoctoral fellowship under the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant that was awarded through the Aga Khan and Oxford Universities as implementers of a program targeting women in science, is courtesy of a research titled, ‘Enhancing Preconception Care Service Delivery for Improved Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes’. The workshop focused on evidence-based approaches to preconception care that addresses health concerns before pregnancy to reduce complications and improve outcomes for both mothers and newborns.
Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing workshop attendees at Kisumu District Hospital during the one day workshop
The training was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo and Prof. Claudia Hanson, who works at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden as well as the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Prof Claudia is currently implementing a collaborative project with Aga Khan University in Nairobi. She emphasized the critical importance of comprehensive preconception care as a foundation for healthy pregnancies and optimal birth outcomes.
Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing workshop attendees at Kisumu District Hospital during the one day workshop
Speaking during the official opening of the workshop Prof Shibairo stressed that research is the key distinguishing factor between universities and other learning Institutions. He applauded Dr. Morema for winning this grant and expressed satisfaction with the research which he said is aimed at positively impacting community issues. “If we don’t improve on research, then we are just like any other institution of learning. What makes a difference between a university and other institutions is the research is the research we carry out at the university level.” Said Prof. Shibairo “Our institution is dedicated to translating research into practical solutions that benefit our communities. Dr. Morema’s work exemplifies how academic research can create meaningful impact in public health and I congratulate her the effort she has put in ensuring that she brings this knowledge down to benefit the community.” He added.
Dr. Everlyne Morema making a point during the workshop at Kisumu District Hospital
Dr. Everlyn Morema expressed gratitude for the support she has received from the University management led by Prof. Solomon Shibairo and highlighted key components in her research stressing on the importance of preconception care in reducing maternal and infant mortality. “Preconception care is a critical but often overlooked component of maternal healthcare,” said Dr. Morema during her presentation. “By addressing health issues before pregnancy occurs, we can significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Kisumu County and beyond.” Stated Dr. Morema.
Prof Claudia Hanson in a discussion during the workshop at Kisumu District Hospital
Mr. John Arudo, Dean of the School of Nursing at MMUST, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in bridging the gap between academic research and clinical practice. Prof. Robert Egesa emphasized the importance of human resources and intellectual capital in organizational success which he said is key in actualization and enhancement of preconception care service delivery for improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. “Many organizations focus more on having the finances, but you’ll find that when you have human resources strong in intellectual capital, such organizations will thrive,” Prof. Egesa stated. He further noted that from the human society where there may be less nurses, the focus may be more on antenatal and postnatal care.
Dr. Tecla Sum making her remarks during the workshop at the Kisumu District Hospital
Dr. Tecla Sum also reiterated the importance of preconception care and congratulated Dr. Morema for the milestones she has achieved. “I’m very excited for the academic milestones that she has worked and her passion in providing solutions to the many problems that are affecting our society. She has proven it is through science, it is through research and through innovation and through education that we become the link between the ailments of the society and the solution. Without proper research, the problems will continue to multiply.” She said.
The workshop covered key aspects of preconception care including nutritional counseling, screening for chronic conditions, genetic counseling, and addressing modifiable risk factors such as substance use and environmental exposures.
Local health officials indicated that the training would inform new protocols for maternal healthcare delivery across county health facilities, with plans to monitor implementation outcomes over the coming months.
