The government has approved the nationwide use of two critical drugs — Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and Heat-Stable Carbetocin (HSC) — to help prevent and manage excessive bleeding during childbirth, a leading cause of maternal deaths in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 18, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) confirmed that the Ministry of Health had greenlighted the use of the drugs in all public and private health facilities across the country.
“Kenya has approved Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and Heat-Stable Carbetocin (HSC) for use in all health facilities to prevent and treat postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal death in the country,” the statement read.
The two drugs are considered highly effective and affordable, with the added advantage of not requiring refrigeration — a critical factor for facilities operating in remote or under-resourced areas.
Tranexamic Acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, helps control bleeding by blocking the enzymes responsible for breaking down blood clots. It is used to treat or prevent postpartum haemorrhage, a condition that can lead to fatal blood loss after childbirth.
Heat-Stable Carbetocin (HSC), on the other hand, is a synthetic version of oxytocin — the hormone that causes uterine contractions. Unlike traditional oxytocin, HSC remains effective even in high-temperature environments, eliminating the need for cold storage.
Administered via injection immediately after delivery, HSC significantly reduces the risk of uterine atony — a condition where the uterus fails to contract properly, leading to heavy bleeding.
The move is expected to significantly strengthen maternal health services across Kenya and reduce the country’s high maternal mortality rates, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach regions
