In many households, the dream of parenthood is deeply cherished. However, to Mr. Andrew Omanga and his wife Ms. Melodious Moraa, this dream was repeatedly squashed by four heartbreaking miscarriages whose cause they barely knew. After several hospital visits at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, hope seemed elusive again during the fifth pregnancy when Ms. Moraa was told to seek further treatment in Nairobi in order to get help. Upon getting to Nairobi, she went to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital after which she was referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for further care.
She later on arrived at KNH where she met a dedicated team of specialists who explained to her what her condition was and promised to do their best to save her pregnancy. She would later on undergo various blood tests and a delicate procedure called Intrauterine Foetal Transfusion performed by the dedicated specialists while the baby was in the womb. 19th October, 2023 is a day that lives rent free in her head as she successfully delivered a healthy newborn baby boy; Bahati Omanga at 35 weeks. The baby was later put on the Critical Care Unit for more observation. Fast forward, on Monday November 20th,2023, Ms. Moraa walked out of the hospital, cradling her baby boy after discharge.
Coincidentally, almost a year later, the Marketing and Communication Department has been running a #BabyMama Campaign which aims at promoting maternal and child healthcare. The campaign led us to visiting the Omanga’s at their home in Lunga Lunga as one of the success stories on Wednesday October 9 th,2024 whereby a part of team from the Obstetrics/Gynaecology Department and Paediatric Department; Neonatology Unit who took care of Melody during her stay at the hospital had the pleasure of celebrating Baby Bahati’s birthday in advance as he is set to turn one on 19 th October, 2024. During the warm reception, Dr. Rosa Chemwey, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist/ Maternal Foetal Medicine Specialist expressed her happiness, recalling her first meeting with Melodius. “I remember the day baby Bahati was born, seeing him thriving now fills me with pride. It is a true testament to our teamwork & dedication,” she said. Ms. Pamela, a Community Health Promoter at Mukuru Kwa Reuben shared, “We often face challenges in our community, but we are grateful to KNH for the support and care they provide to us whenever the patients are referred to them.” Dr. Miriam Weru, Consultant Paediatrician/ Neonatologist added, “It is humbling to witness the joy of our patients. We love our work and are dedicated to ensuring every child receives the care they need.” Dr. Chemwey further highlighted the importance of early prenatal care through the #BabyMama campaign. “Join us in advocating for early clinic visits. Every step counts in ensuring healthy pregnancies,” she added. The heartfelt words of Bahati’s father; Mr. Andrew Omanga reflected their incredible journey. “After losing four children, holding my son brings overwhelming joy. Thank you, God, and thank you, KNH,” he said while sadly recounting the stigma they underwent during their pregnancy losses. He further recounted the financial challenges they faced and even being advised to go to India as an option to solve their problem. He promised to give his son the best care and education so that he will one day give back to the society. Ms. Melodius expressed her gratitude, saying, “I was scared when referred to KNH, but now I’m forever thankful for the amazing team that changed our lives. I knew my case was closed. I kept on wondering what would happen as when patients from home get referred to KNH, we Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline “When the doctor explained the procedure, I was terrified. I had never heard of anything like it before,” Ms. Melodius added. Others in attendance were Ms. Lucy Karuku, Neonatology nurse from the Paediatric Department, Paediatric Consultants Dr. Victoria Jebet and Dr. Christine Njagi, and Dr. Andrew Mwanjonde, Senior Resident in Paediatrics and Child health at the University of Nairobi who all advocated for healthy lifestyle during pregnancies and quality care of children post birth.
During all these, clueless baby Bahati; a true symbol of the miracle of modern medicine and a resilient little warrior crawled on the floor as the various people in attendance took turns in carrying him. To climax the visit, a cake was cut and shared.