Bomet, Bomet County – The County Government of Bomet, through its Department of Health Services, has initiated a comprehensive program focusing on awareness, diagnosis, and management of diabetes. In a press statement, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok urged residents to participate in free diabetes screenings under the ‘Know Your Risk’ theme. The initiative aims to encourage residents to take responsibility for their health and seek early diagnosis and treatment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County has established full-time diabetic clinics at Longisa County Referral and Ndanai Hospitals for managing diabetic patients. The Governor emphasized the County’s commitment to expanding Ndanai Hospital and improving drug management. He announced the acceleration of the procurement process for essential drugs and the construction of new wards at the facility, indicating a move to upgrade the county’s health system to provide top-tier health services.
Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in the county have been directed to continue raising awareness about diabetes and other chronic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the prevalence rate of diabetes in Kenya is at 3 percent, with projections of an increase to 4/5 percent by 2025. The lack of awareness among Kenyans results in two-thirds of diabetic patients remaining undiagnosed, posing a significant health risk nationwide.
Diabetes, a major cause of health complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and lower limb amputation, can be prevented or delayed through a healthy diet, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use. The County’s initiative aims to address these challenges by sensitizing residents and providing accessible screening services.
