Nakuru County Enhances Health Services with JICA Support

Nakuru: In a significant shift towards enhancing healthcare services, Nakuru County’s Department of Health is now focusing on monitoring health progress, rather than solely developing Annual Work Plans (AWPs). This change aims to improve the overall well-being of residents, effective healthcare delivery, and sustainable development.

According to Kenya News Agency, Nakuru County Executive Committee Member for Health, the county hosted a team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to discuss collaboration on this initiative. Osoro highlighted JICA’s commitment to supporting the county through its ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Health. This collaboration is part of the project titled ‘Strengthening Accountability in the Management of County Health Service (SAMACH)’, which spans from 2022 to 2029.

JICA Chief Advisor Shiko Mimose explained that SAMACH will address monitoring and evaluation challenges through an online tool. This tool will enable County Health Management Teams and Health Facilities to track the progress of planned activities and identify potential issues before implementation.

Osoro emphasized the importance of monitoring and analyzing health progress quarterly, transforming the AWP into a dynamic, year-round tool for better planning and implementation of healthcare services. She noted that monitoring helps in the early identification and management of health issues, particularly infectious diseases, which require prompt action to prevent widespread outbreaks.

Additionally, Osoro stated that tracking health indicators allows for the effective allocation of resources, ensuring that funds, personnel, and medical supplies are directed to areas of greatest need. This strategic approach maximizes the impact of health interventions.

The County Executive also pointed out that health monitoring is crucial in developing public health policies, targeted interventions, and strategies. It provides valuable insights into the accessibility and quality of healthcare services. Osoro further mentioned that a healthy population is vital for economic development, and understanding the relationship between health and factors like productivity, workforce availability, and healthcare expenditures is essential.

Lastly, Osoro highlighted the importance of having comprehensive health data for international collaborations and funding opportunities. Many international organizations and donors require detailed health data for monitoring and evaluation purposes. Therefore, maintaining accessible and thorough health records positions the county to benefit from international support and funding for health programs.