News Categories: Health and Sanitation

Community Health Promoters (CHPs) serve as the key drivers of primary healthcare, a critical pillar to attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC). They extend primary health care to the last mile supporting every mother to give birth safely by a skilled birth attendant within a link facility and working to ensure no child dies from easily preventable diseases.

They link communities and health facilities, providing a range of health services, including health education, promotion, and prevention, and identifying and referring health problems to appropriate primary healthcare facilities.

The involvement of CHPs in healthcare delivery significantly improves the health outcomes.

In order to maintain the current momentum and help to ensure their effectiveness of the CHPs the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech earlier today met with Kapsabet Community Unit CHPs during their monthly meeting at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by community health promoters in healthcare delivery, the CEC Member highlighted the county’s commitment to preventive healthcare measures. This approach acknowledges that health promotion is a devolved function of the government.

She noted that CHPs are an essential resource for communities and helps to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes.

She was also happy to see that services have fully resumed at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital and called on residents to utilize the services being offered.

Every community has a right to quality primary health care. Building the systems required to deliver quality care is paramount, and dependent upon community health promoters who are the heartbeat of health care.

CHPs continue to play a significant role in providing preventive and promotive services at the community level, reinforcing the health systems.

20 Women members of Taunet Ne Lel Self Help Group in Kipkongorwa Village, Lelmokwo Location were the most notorious illegal brewers in their community. Because the police could raid their homes at any time to look for illegal alcohol. Their aim was to earn income to be able to feed their families. At first, some of the members brewed fermented corn brew, but that was not making enough money to support their family’s basic needs. To some members, when their children reached high school, the school fees became overwhelming, so they resorted to brewing a stronger, more deadly brew called changaa, meaning “kill me quick.”

What began as a desperate attempt to provide for their families turned life into a dark prison filled with problems and loneliness. Before long they were drinking the alcohol themselves to cope with the stress of having dozens of customers drunk and fighting in their homes every day. Things were falling apart.

But now, Taunet Ne Lel members who are reformed brewers are celebrating a whole new life. Thanks to the area Assistant Chief Madam Emily Jepkogei Soo who has helped turn around their lives.

These women have registered a self-help group TAUNET NE LEL (A NEW BEGINNING) and are planning to embark on soap making, poultry farming and set up a tree nursery as sustainable ways to generate income. This inspiring transformation showcases the power of community support and the resilience of these women as they embrace new opportunities and contribute positively to their community.

Today, the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech visited the women group in a bid to further support and empower them.

She said there is need to further collaborate with the county government and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) to help in public education and awareness campaigns aimed at sensitising the community and families about the risks and dangers of alcohol and other substances prone to abuse.

The CEC also assured the community that a new contractor will be on site to complete the new Kipkongorwa Dispensary.

The story of Taunet Ne Lel Women Group is a powerful example of how changing the life of a mother can impact an entire family.

Taunet Ne Lel Women Group members have been vital to the transformation in their own village, and also carries a deep desire to see other trapped brewers experience freedom.

More than 100 children of Kapyagan Village in Chesumei County have benefited from a free eye clinic sponsored by the County Government of Nandi and facilitated by Operation Eyesight.

The free consultation and checkup at AIC Kapyagan Church saw hundreds of children screened for eye-related disorders and those with extreme cases referred to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for further medication.

Speaking during the event, Florah Kiplagat, the County Ophthalmic Clinical Officer and Cataract Surgeon based at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital said the free medical camp targeted school going children with eye problems, who are unable to travel to distant hospitals for check-up or fear by parents for the cost implications.

She emphasised that early intervention is key to preventing more severe issues later in life.

“Protecting children’s vision as they grow is crucial,” she said. Florah further explained basic eye examination techniques and how to recognise symptoms that could indicate potential eye diseases. “Failure to address these issues can negatively impact a child’s academic performance, social participation, and future economic productivity,” she warned.

The parents and guardians who accompanied their children to the camp were thankful to County and Operation Eyesight for facilitating the free eye check-up and awareness.

Through organizing free medical camps at regular intervals, The County Department of Health in partnership with Operation Eyesight takes medical care to needy areas where people live without easy access to healthcare services.

The CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech made a tour across health facilities in the county to ascertain the state of healthcare services.

The CECM’s first stop of the day was at Mosoriot County Hospital where she conducted an inspection tour of the facility to witness first-hand the state of the facility and the nature of service delivery at the facility.

Speaking while on a tour of Chemuswo Health Center, Kurgung, Kaiboi Dispensary, Chepterwai Nyayo Hospital, Kabiyet and Kabiemit Hospitals in Mosop Sub County, the CECM Member acknowledged existing gaps in the health sector and reassured residents that Governor Sang’s administration will move with speed to address the challenges.

Governor Sang’s leadership ensures that the county continues to make significant strides in healthcare development, benefiting all its residents.

Further, the County has shortened access to medical facilities for the residents and introduced a system where health centers can re-invest the cash paid for services in running costs and improvements required.

MASS DISTRIBUTION CAMPAIGN OF LONG-LASTING INSECTICIDAL NETS (LLINs) FOR TWO SUB COUNTIES IN NANDI SET TO COMMENCE

Having continuous coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is a key component of malaria elimination.

The Department of Health and Sanitation is set to commence a Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) distribution campaign as part of efforts to combat malaria.

LLINs campaign is an initiative of the National Ministry of Health, led by the National Malaria Control Programme. It targets 22 high-burden malaria counties, including two Sub Counties of Tinderet and Aldai in Nandi, and aims to distribute 15.3 million nets countrywide.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting held in Kapsabet, County Malaria Coordinator Mr Japhet Rutto highlighted the collective commitment among various agencies to ensure the success of the mass LLIN distribution campaign, scheduled to commence in two weeks time within targeted malaria endemic sub counties of Tinderet and Aldai.

“The campaign’s objective is to achieve universal coverage in malaria-endemic and epidemic-prone areas in the county,” noted Mr Rutto.

County Health Promotion Officer Jane Samoei highlighted the critical role stakeholders play in monitoring the proper use of the distributed nets, stressing the importance of raising community awareness in the fight against malaria.

Stakeholders, including representatives from religious and community groups, persons living with disabilities, and national and county administrations, have been sensitized to raise awareness in their respective areas ahead of the distribution exercise.

The CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech earlier today paid an unscheduled visit to three major healthcare facilities in the County. She visited the Kapsabet County Referral, Mosoriot County and Kabiyet Sub County Hospitals.

Speaking during the visit, the CECM said “We are committed to putting in place sound health systems that ensure that our people access affordable comprehensive care ranging from disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.”

She lauded the contributions of healthcare workers to qualitative healthcare delivery in Nandi, saying that they are critical in the health sector and their contributions cannot be overemphasised.

“It is quite evident that the present administration of Governor Stephen Sang is passionate about the health and wellbeing of residents of Nandi County, as it is a key component of the developmental agenda for his administration. All healthcare workers are important to the County Government and will continue to receive maximum attention”, she added.

In accordance with the County Department of Health and Sanitation’s mandate of improving public health services in Nandi, over 500 residents of Kaplamai location, benefitted from a free medical outreach programme at the Kabongwa Market in Emgwen Sub County.

The programme was organized in partnership with the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, White Crescent Hospital, Lifecare Hospital, Reale Hospital, St Luke Hospital, Equity Afya, Vertical Medical Center, Apha Hill Hospital and Rapha Hospital.

A beneficiary of the outreach and a resident of Kaplamai, Mr Kosgei, thanked the County Government of Nandi for the initiative of bringing health care services closer to the people.

“I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to get screened. I understand it is important to go for routine checks to enable early detection of diseases, but most people like me find it difficult to leave our tea farms to go to the hospital.

Mr Kosgei was screened for hypertension, random blood glucose, and had his BMI measurement.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Judith, residing in Kabongwa, who was at the market to buy groceries commended the intiative saying the outreach gives an opportunity for the everyone to know their health status.

She thanked the organisers for brining the services closer to the people and at no cost.

“I have not gone for a routine check in a while. It is a good initiative that will make many people know their health status as most people wait to go to the hospital only when they start having symptoms”, she says.

Mrs Judith got screened for breast cancer and had her blood pressure, random blood sugar, and BMI checked.

Likewise, one of the boda boda operators Mr Kipchirchir, who also benefited from the outreach, took it upon himelf to raise awareness about the free medical programme.

Using his position in the area, Kipchirchir advises other traders especially the youth and women, to check their health status and present their children for vaccination to protect everyone.

At the end of the outreach, over 500 beneficiaries from campaign and children were also not left out as over 37 received at least a vaccine antigen.

The County PHC Coordinator Sally Kemboi, says the county department of health is always striving to keep the county safe.

“The medical camp is an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow,” she noted.

“The free medical outreach targeted the vulnerable members of the community, particularly women and children as well as the aged who cannot afford the cost of medical attention,” explains Lilian Boit, the County Clinical Officer.

Some of the services rendered included Routine Immunization (RI), routine health screening (Blood Pressure, Random Blood Sugar, Body Mass Index as well as health education).

Present at the event were Philip Kogo, Director Health Administration, Alfred Bichii, the County Public Health Officer among other officials.

The County Government of Nandi has commenced the construction of Kapkeri Dispensary in Tindiret Ward, Tinderet Sub County, marking a significant development in the county’s healthcare infrastructure.

This initiative is part of Governor Sang’s health priority plan highlighting the county’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services and achieving World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommended 5 km distance to the nearest health facility.

The development of Kapkeri Dispensary represents a significant investment in the communities’ health and well-being, now and into the future.

The County Government of Nandi is taking action to help people who are facing challenges accessing care in rural and remote areas. The dispensary will provide expanded access to quality healthcare closer home and help the residents get the services they need.

Integrated health services with an emphasis on primary care are needed for effective primary health care and achievement of universal health coverage. The key elements of high quality primary care are first-contact access, continuity, comprehensiveness, coordination, and person-centredness.

The Department of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has completed a baseline survey across the entire county in preparation for the implementation of the Primary Care Network (PCN).

Ruth Koech, CECM Health and Sanitation

Six teams conducted interviews with facility users, community health services staff, and facility in-charges to assess the current state of primary healthcare in the six Sub-counties.

Today, the County Health Management Teams and Sub County Management Teams converged in Kapsabet to present feedback on Primary Health Care (PCN) baseline survey.

The PCN Strategy, developed by the Ministry of Health, is designed to foster a more resilient healthcare system, by prioritizing primary healthcare and improving coordination between health facilities.

Sally Kemboi, County PHC Coordinator

Against this backdrop, the Government’s decision to implement a comprehensive PHC strategy reflects a proactive response to the evolving healthcare landscape. The strategy is designed to address not only the immediate health concerns but also the systemic issues that hinder the delivery of quality healthcare services.

The Ministry of Health is partnering with the County Department of Health and Sanitation in rolling out Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs), a “hub-and-spoke” approach toward effective implementation of the Primary Health Care Strategy.

Speaking at the event, the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech said “The PCN model brings person-centered services closer to communities and helps to ensure the continuity and sustainability of care.”

Multisectoral participants

Each PCN is composes of a referral facility and several other primary health care facilities established to deliver access to PHC services for patients and to coordinate with other hospitals. This model improves the overall operational efficiency of the health facilities and emphasizes the needs of the population with the community as the entryway to the health system.

With this prioritization of primary health care revitalization and crucial investment in community health promoters, Nandi County is now taking a bold and critical direction and steps towards attaining sustainable UHC.

Also present during the feedback presentation meeting were the County Director of Health Dr David Bungei, Director for Administration Philip Kogo, Ministry of Health Officials, County Primary Health Care Coordinator Sally Kemboi among other officials.

Changing health outcomes requires action at all levels – upstream, midstream, and downstream aimed at mproving the provider-consumer relationship and the quality of services.

Today, the County Department of Health and Sanitation sensitized health workers drawn from Mosop and Nandi Hills Sub Counties with the aim of ensuring improved access to quality healthcare services.

Participants drawn from Mosop and Nandi Hills Sub Counties

Speaking at the event, the County Director for Health Dr David Bungei said, “As we work together, I urge everyone to share their experiences, challenges and best practices. By learning and supporting each other, we can improve our pursuit of excellence, as our combined efforts will undoubtedly lead to better health care service delivery and a more efficient public service.”

Dr David Bungei, CDH

The sensitization enabled a reflective thinking process among the health care providers, allowing a frank discussion, irrespective of the type of health worker.

The result was a renewed commitment to work, with health providers expressing better motivation and willingness to examine their own practices critically in an effort to improve the quality of care. The participatory process also enabled the providers to identify many constraints in the provision of adequate health services and how these affected their work in general and their relationship with clients, and to develop practical plans.

Mr Bwaley, County HIV/AIDS Coordinator

Sharpening the sharp end and sensitizing the blunt end are two complementary approaches to improving patient safety in the healthcare industry. By focusing on improving the skills, knowledge, and expertise of frontline workers and raising awareness among administrative and support staff about the impact their decisions and actions have on patient care, healthcare organizations can create a culture of safety that benefits everyone. By involving all our staff members in quality improvement initiatives, establishing clear lines of communication, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, the department of health will work towards the common goal of providing safe and effective care to all patients.