"We speak for the
voiceless. We make
the leaders aware
of their problems.
When they don't
have a spotlight
somewhere, it's
challenging for the
government to keep
track, but when
there is outcry, they
rush to address it."
-Evaline Ayugi, CAP Project
Officer, The Apac Anti
Corruption Coalition
BRIBES FOR M AM A-KITS
The CAP system received multiple reports that nurses were
taking bribes for mama-kits, an all-in-one packet containing
plastic sheeting, razor blades, soap, gloves, cotton wool, and
cord ties for labor and delivery.
These kits are meant to be provided free to pregnant women
to reduce mother and infant mortality, but were allegedly
being sold for 15,000 shillings (US$4.50), a sum that would
take many women months to save. In response, TAACC
visited several facilities to investigate these claims with
government authorities and recorded more accounts from
new mothers who had been charged for these essential
supplies.
A community forum was called to present the issue and
come up with a solution. After publicly hearing the charges
of illegal activity from the community, the District Health
Officer took action to redirect the supply line of mama-kits,
making them available them available at local pharmacies
instead of health centres, and eliminating the leakage. Now,
pregnant women are able to pick up their mama-kits from
the pharmacy, free of charge, and bring them to the
maternity ward when they are ready to deliver.
PICTURED: A mother and baby waiting for treatment at a local health center.
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