News Categories: Health and Sanitation

Nandi Deputy Governor and Ag. CECM for Health and Sanitation Dr Yulita Cheruiyot has today launched a mass distribution of mosquito nets in the County to combat malaria in high-risk areas of Tindiret and Aldai Sub Counties.

The 2023/2024 Mass Distribution Campaign of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets event was held at the Kobujoi Forest Dispensary, marking a significant step in our fight against malaria in Nandi County.

This program is being implemented in collaboration with the national government and other key stakeholders, targets the high-malaria-burden regions of Aldai and Tindiret Sub-counties.

The nets will be distributed from all health facilities storage points across the county.

Residents are to be notified via text message about the collection details a day or two in advance.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring equitable access to these life-saving nets, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as children under five, expectant mothers, and low-income households. Beyond the distribution of nets, the campaign includes robust community engagement to educate residents on proper usage, care, and other preventive measures against malaria.

Present at the event was Chief Officer for the Department of Health and Sanitation, Frederick Kiptum, along with officials from the Ministry of Health representing the National Government, Sub County Health Management Teams and Community Health Promoters.

The Deputy Governor H. E Dr Yulita Mitei who’s also the acting CEC Member for Health and Sanitation earlier today convened a meeting with the County Health Management Team to discuss critical highlights that will ensure the provision of quality healthcare.

Part of the agenda was to review the performance of various sections and programs and briefly discuss strategies that improve their performance indicators for better health outcomes.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to gather critical feedback on the existing gaps in service delivery and deliberate on practical approaches to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for our residents.

Present at the meeting were the Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Fredrick Kiptum and the County Director for Health Dr David Bungei.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has flagged off a contingent of drugs and medical supplies worth Shs.48 million to be distributed across health facilities in the county.

The Governor said the drugs were purchased from Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and Mission for Essential Drugs & Supplies (MEDS), and would be distributed to all the health facilities in the six sub-counties.

“The supplies will be distributed to every health facility within the county to ensure all residents have access to essential medical resources,” said the Governor.

Speaking at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital while flagging off the drug consignment, the Governor called upon all personnel responsible for dispensing the drug supplies to uphold the highest standards of responsibility and accountability, ensuring the efficient and transparent use of these resources.

“Together, we remain dedicated to strengthening healthcare services and improving the overall well-being of our people,” he noted.

The Governor eiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services and eliminating shortages of drugs and medical essentials in public health facilities.

The County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech has urged the residents of Nandi to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) as part of a transformative agenda aimed at ensuring access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship and tap the resultant benefits whenever they go for treatment in hospitals.

Speaking at Mugundoi Dispensary after making impromptu visits to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, Cheplengu, Ng’enybokurio, Kiropket, Cheindoi and Kipsigak Dispensaries, the CECM highlighted the affordability of the program, emphasized that it costs only Sh300 and can cover hospital bills in times of need adding that there is no such lucrative investment as getting registered for health insurance to access health services affordably.

She urged residents to continuously register with the program to enjoy uninterrupted healthcare services in both public and private health facilities by dialing *147# for self-registration in the SHA program and or through a Community Health Promoter.

She assured those unable to register via the USSD code that all county hospitals are ready to assist with the process.

The CECM reaffirmed the county’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all Nandi residents.

Universal Health Coverage, entails ensuring that all individuals have access to quality healthcare without any financial difficulties, forms part of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals. Hence, implementing different strategies such as strengthening the health system (e.g., by building health infrastructure and retaining healthcare worker force), and providing financial assistance to achieve UHC in underprivileged communities in counties, is imperative.

The simple fact is that the healthier the planet is, the healthier we are.

To help you to achieve the goal of a healthier population and a healthier planet, strong collaborations are needed.

By bringing together the right partners, creating tailored solutions, leveraging innovative and affordable technology, and building capacity through training it helps reach more patients, diagnose diseases earlier, and make healthcare more affordable and accessible.

Effective strategies for financing healthcare are critical in achieving this goal. The Ministry of Health together with the Council of Governors and County Executive Committee Members for Health held a meeting in Kisumu to strategize for a multisectral approach to increase enrollment for sustainable health financing.

The meeting was chaired by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services Mr. Harry Kachuwai Kimtai.

Universal Health Coverage, entails ensuring that all individuals have access to quality healthcare without any financial difficulties, forms part of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals. Hence, implementing different strategies such as strengthening the health system (e.g., by building health infrastructure and retaining healthcare worker force), and providing financial assistance to achieve UHC in underprivileged communities in counties, is imperative.

The simple fact is that the healthier the planet is, the healthier we are.

To help you to achieve the goal of a healthier population and a healthier planet, strong collaborations are needed.

By bringing together the right partners, creating tailored solutions, leveraging innovative and affordable technology, and building capacity through training it helps reach more patients, diagnose diseases earlier, and make healthcare more affordable and accessible.

Effective strategies for financing healthcare are critical in achieving this goal. The Ministry of Health together with the Council of Governors and County Executive Committee Members for Health held a meeting in Kisumu to strategize for a multisectral approach to increase enrollment for sustainable health financing.

The meeting was chaired by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services Mr. Harry Kachuwai Kimtai.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech has tasked the health care workers to lead the advocacy on the importance of the social health insurance scheme in Nandi for citizens to be able to have access to good healthcare.

The CECM stated this today during a visit to the Kapsabet County Referral and Nandi Hills Couty Hospitals, stressing that the move would ensure citizens have access to quality healthcare services and promote a healthier population through increased insurance coverage.

She said there is a need to find a way to explain to our people that a social health insurance fund scheme is important“All health services which were being offered through NHIF are now offered under SHA and I want to urge all residents to register themselves so as to continue accessing the services,” she noted.

The registration is done through self-registration USSD code *147# and through the website http://sha.go.ke and with the assistance of Community Health Promoters or by visiting NHIF offices and other designated registration points.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech has tasked the health care workers to lead the advocacy on the importance of the social health insurance scheme in Nandi for citizens to be able to have access to good healthcare.

The CECM stated this today during a visit to the Kapsabet County Referral and Nandi Hills Couty Hospitals, stressing that the move would ensure citizens have access to quality healthcare services and promote a healthier population through increased insurance coverage.

She said there is a need to find a way to explain to our people that a social health insurance fund scheme is important“All health services which were being offered through NHIF are now offered under SHA and I want to urge all residents to register themselves so as to continue accessing the services,” she noted.

The registration is done through self-registration USSD code *147# and through the website http://sha.go.ke and with the assistance of Community Health Promoters or by visiting NHIF offices and other designated registration points.

The county’s development is rapidly progressing in various sectors, particularly in the health sector, indicating the realization of Governor Sang’s vision of creating a health system accessible to all citizens regardless of socio-economic status. Over the past seven years, numerous initiatives have been implemented, significantly improving the quality of life for Nandi residents and notably reducing distance between hospitals.

Prior to these advancements, some residents faced challenges in receiving adequate medical treatment, often resorting to seeking services in neighboring counties to avoid long queues over limited facilities. However, thanks to the county government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.

The establishment of Cheptonon, Mombwo, Koitab Moset dispensaries in Songhor/Soba Ward and Kipsirwa dispensary in Tindiret Ward will relieve the burden on residents ensuring they can receive medical care without the need for arduous journeys.

Speaking while inspecting the facilities ahead of its operationalization, the CECM for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech said she will remain steadfast in her efforts to take healthcare services closer to the residents in all parts of the county.

“I am confident that by working hard together we will, as a county, achieve our health targets and leave no one behind,” she noted.

The development of the aforementioned medical infrastructures will have a profound impact on the lives of residents. The days of walking long distances to receive medical treatment will now be behind them.

Residents who have experienced the improvements in healthcare services express their heartfelt gratitude to Governor Stephen Sang for positively transforming their lives.

The developments in Nandi County’s health infrastructure demonstrate the county government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for its citizens. Through significant investments and construction projects, the county has witnessed remarkable progress in healthcare delivery, resulting in improved medical care, reduced travel distances, and increased efficiency in treating patients.

Looking forward, the county government plans to further increase the number of health centers, introduce specialized services for cancer and mental illness treatment, and intensify the fight against epidemic diseases.

The CECM was accompanied by the County Primary Health Care Coordinator Sally Kemboi.

Community health promoters (CHPs) have helped improve access to quality primary health care (PHC) in the county.

Primary care forms an essential level of a health system aiming for universal health coverage, akin to being the base of a pyramid of health care levels coordinating care between the levels and acting as an initial source of contact for patients outside of the emergency setting.

The Kapkangani Health Center has taken proactive steps towards improving the facility’s healthcare services and ensuring the community’s well-being. The Unit today convened a quarterly meeting with the facility’s community health promoters to strategize and address pressing healthcare needs.

The focus of the meeting was to deliberate on crucial areas, including sensitizing the community on primary care networks, strengthening referrals, planning in-reach activities, and supporting groups for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Key milestones and future strategies were highlighted, showcasing the ongoing efforts to enhance primary healthcare and improve community health countywide.

While addressing the Kapkangani Community Unit members, the CECM Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech, emphasized the county’s dedication to prioritizing community healthcare. She highlighted the importance of community engagement and proactive measures in achieving tangible improvements in healthcare accessibility and quality.

With a clear focus on empowering residents and enhancing their well-being, the collaborative effort promises better healthcare for Kapkangani residents, signaling a positive shift towards a healthier community.

The CECM further took a hands-on approach to assess and further uplift healthcare services during her visit to Mokwo Dispensary, Serem Health Center, Chebilat Dispensary, Kobujoi Health Center and Kaptumo Sub County Hospital. The mission was clear: engage with healthcare workers and facility managers, address challenges, and explore opportunities to enhance service delivery.