LODWAR, Turkana County – In a significant boost to community health, Turkana County has recently received an essential supply of health equipment. The county acquired 2,454 kits and an equal number of tablets, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of 225 active community health units.
According to Kenya News Agency, this allocation is set to revolutionize local healthcare services. During the launch event, he emphasized the critical role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) as the driving force behind community health initiatives. He also highlighted the vital strategic partnerships with various health partners that have significantly improved healthcare services at the community level. These partnerships are instrumental in fulfilling the governor’s health agenda.
In addition to the kits and tablets, the county also received 2,454 phones, which are to be distributed among CHPs for digital reporting purposes. Dr. Erus stressed the importance of integrating national and county government health structures to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services to all residents of Turkana County. He also mentioned the county’s commitment to aligning the tools provided to CHPs with their workload, which includes providing airtime for the tablets and a monthly stipend.
The County Commissioner, Jacob Ouma, urged CHPs to encourage the use of latrines in every household as a means to curb the spread of hygiene-related diseases. He commended the joint efforts of national and county health officials and other partners in advancing healthcare in the county. Ouma called for strict monitoring and assessment of development programs by county officials to guarantee the effective delivery of partner commitments.
Peter Lomorukai, the County Chief Officer (CCO) for Preventive and Promotive, announced the commencement of household registration to strengthen health services at the community level. He noted that the tablets, equipped with an electronic community health information system, are a significant step towards transitioning healthcare programs from analog to digital.
Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel, CCO for Medical Services, encouraged CHPs to educate the community about ending harmful cultural health practices, such as the extraction of milk teeth, which can lead to severe complications. Additionally, Bethwel Kobongin, the chair of the Health Committee and Songot Ward representative, discussed the committee’s efforts to ensure adequate staffing in sub-county hospitals and facilities.
Turkana East MP Nixon Ngikor suggested increasing the current CHP stipend to match the rising cost of living. The event also included the recognition and awarding of community health service staff for their exceptional work in various sub-counties.
The launch was attended by several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), senior health officials, and representatives from various health organizations, including the National Ministry of Health’s Division of Community Health, USAID NAWIRI, AMREF/USAID Imarisha Jamii, Kenya Medical Training College, Kenya Red Cross, International Rescue, Concern Worldwide, Welthungerhilfe (WHH), and Save the Children.