Abstract:
Knowledge platforms support birth companions in communicating effectively to the community and mothers during referrals.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the knowledge sharing platforms for birth companions in Kakamega County. The
study revealed that barazas (community meetings) were the most preferred/utilized mode of sharing new information on birth
companion practices where they provided information to women during the continuum pregnancy antenatal, postpartum and
childbirth help reduce maternal mortality rates in the County thus contributing positively to the Universal health care in
support of the Big 4 agenda. Radio and television platforms were other effective channels that can enhance access to health
facilities in the County and ensure that expectant mothers are assisted during delivery. The study concludes that that there
exists a number of knowledge sharing platforms among BCs (birth companions) in Kenya which are effective and provide
sustainable interventions to maternal healthcare issues. The study recommends that maternal health knowledge and
information dissemination platforms among birth companions including other media interventions in maternal and child health
are critical facets of healthcare provision by both national and county governments in Kenya. The findings of this study
strongly recommend capitation of birth companions and enhancement of their knowledge sharing platforms, knowing that
rigorous research must inform training policy and practice decisions.
