A mother in Naivasha has abandoned her newborn at ITARC Hospital after the infant was born with severe deformities. The baby, who was born with an incomplete skull, missing fingers and toes, and no nose, is at high risk due to breathing through her mouth. Hospital officials say the mother refused to breastfeed the baby and fled the facility, with the family labeling the child as “cursed.”
Doctors at ITARC Hospital in Longonot town have expressed concern over the newborn’s condition, noting the urgent need for surgery to address the deformities and improve her health. According to Benson Kimani, a medic at the facility, the baby’s condition requires immediate medical intervention. “The baby was born with part of her face missing, and because of the deformity, she can only breathe through her mouth, which increases the risk of infection,” Kimani said.
Dr. Muchai Kimani, another medic at ITARC, explained that the mother rejected the baby immediately after birth due to cultural beliefs. “As soon as the baby was born, the mother refused to even look at her, refused to breastfeed, and then fled the hospital,” Dr. Kimani stated.
Since the abandonment, the hospital has been providing formula milk to the infant while coordinating efforts to transfer her to a specialized facility for surgery. Hospital Operations Manager James Kabuki confirmed that a specialist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) had been secured to perform the complex surgery. However, he highlighted the high costs involved in the procedure and the need for a safe home for the baby’s post-surgical care. Kabuki called on well-wishers and organizations to offer support for the baby’s treatment and long-term care.
Hospital Director Njoroge Wainaina reassured the public of their commitment to ensuring the baby receives proper medical care. “We are dedicated to providing the necessary care for this infant, and we hope for support from the community to help us achieve that,” Wainaina said.
ITARC Hospital continues to seek assistance to ensure that the newborn receives the critical surgery and care she needs for a chance at a better life.
