By PPH Foundation
A mother experiencing severe bleeding during childbirth can lose her life within a matter of hours if lifesaving care is not available. In such moments, survival depends not only on the skills of healthcare workers but also on how quickly the health system can respond. From blood availability and emergency medicines to referral networks and transport systems, preparedness remains one of the most important factors in preventing deaths associated with postpartum haemorrhage.
Across many counties, delays in recognizing complications, shortages of essential medicines, inadequate blood supplies, weak referral systems, poor transport networks, and gaps in emergency obstetric care continue to contribute to preventable maternal deaths. Health experts note that when postpartum haemorrhage strikes, every minute matters. A well-functioning maternal response plan can mean the difference between life and death.
The World Health Organization identifies timely access to Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, skilled birth attendance, functional referral pathways, and availability of blood products as essential components in reducing maternal mortality. Studies further show that health facilities with established emergency preparedness protocols are better able to manage severe maternal complications, including postpartum haemorrhage.
Recent evidence from Kenya demonstrates the impact of preparedness. Makueni County has emerged as a leading example after recording zero maternal deaths from postpartum haemorrhage for multiple consecutive years. This achievement has been attributed to deliberate investments in maternal health systems, including the use of heat-stable carbetocin, calibrated drapes for measuring blood loss, healthcare worker training, strengthened referral systems, and improved emergency response mechanisms.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., a national champion in the fight against postpartum haemorrhage, has consistently emphasized the role of leadership in preventing maternal deaths.
“PPH remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths globally because society and systems have failed to prioritize women's lives. It is not primarily a clinical failure, but a political one. We need to prioritize maternal and child health,” said Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. during a maternal health forum in Nairobi.
Prof Moses Obimbo, Project Lead of the End Postpartum Haemorrhage Initiative, says emergency preparedness must become a central pillar of maternal health planning across all counties.
“Postpartum haemorrhage can occur suddenly, even in women with otherwise normal pregnancies. Counties must ensure that every facility has trained personnel, emergency medicines, blood products, functional referral systems, and clear response protocols. Maternal survival depends on preparedness before the emergency happens, not during it,” says Prof Obimbo.
Prof Obimbo further notes that preparedness should extend beyond health facilities to include ambulance services, community awareness, blood donation systems, data monitoring, and continuous simulation training for healthcare workers.
As countries work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 and reducing maternal mortality, experts are calling for stronger county-level maternal response plans that integrate prevention, early detection, rapid response, referral coordination, and post-emergency care. The evidence is increasingly clear: where preparedness exists, maternal deaths from postpartum haemorrhage can be dramatically reduced.
Sources
- World Health Organization. WHO Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Haemorrhage. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2012.
- World Health Organization. Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025.
- Kilonzo M Jr. Postpartum hemorrhage is a political failure—yet it can be prevented. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. 2026;173(2):579–580. DOI:10.1002/ijgo.70922.
- Government of Makueni County. Mutula: Postpartum Hemorrhage a Political Failure as Makueni Records Zero Maternal Deaths. April 2026.
- Government of Makueni County. Makueni Leads Kenya in Post-Partum Hemorrhage Response. May 2026.
- Government of Makueni County. Makueni Achieves Milestone in Maternal Health, Records Zero PPH Deaths Since 2022. November 2024.
- Willow Health Media. Postpartum Haemorrhage: Key Facts, Risks and Lifesaving Measures. October 2024.
- Image by ASphotofamily on Magnific</a>