Mary Help the Sick Mission Hospital in Thika is improving maternal and child healthcare with its new Mother-Child Centre and a digital initiative. The hospital’s CEO, Sister Bhagya Seeli, launched TikTok Health Talks to offer advice on breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, and pre- and post-natal care, with a focus on involving fathers in childcare.
“This approach works well for busy parents who can’t attend in-person talks. Short TikTok videos allow them to access professional guidance at their convenience,” said Seeli.
At the opening of the new center, Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo praised the hospital’s high standards and its use of digital health education as a model for innovation in maternal care.
Hospital matron Esther Wanjira highlighted the center’s design, which keeps expectant mothers and newborns separate from other patients to prevent infections. The facility offers check-ups, post-natal care, and specialized attention, easing pressure on the main hospital, which handles over 170 deliveries monthly.
For mothers like Jane Njeri Kamau, the center offers hope after traumatic experiences. Kamau credits the hospital’s care team for saving her life after severe post-Caesarean bleeding.
Rev. Peter Maina, who supported his wife after childbirth, praised the TikTok initiative for its stress-reducing advice. “More men should be involved,” he urged.
Despite the hospital’s progress, concerns persist over the discontinuation of the Linda Mama program, which provided free maternity services. Many women now face financial fears around childbirth.
Archbishop Anyolo warned that delayed payments from the government could force missionary hospitals to close. Fr. Simon Ng’ang’a, hospital board chair, stressed the need for the government to settle debts to ensure continued care.
Related topics:
