News Categories: Health and Sanitation

With the rapid development of modern society, high-energy injuries caused by traffic accidents, falling, collapsing, crushing and natural disasters occur frequently and the incidence of severe trauma remains high.

Work on the new 16.8 million shillings Trauma Centre at Nandi Hills Hospital is nearing completion in Nandi Hills Sub County, bringing a substantial addition to the Nandi Hills Hospital. This will enable the Hospital to offer patients a wide array of advanced technology.

The ultra-modern health facility, is expected to bring much hope to the people of Nandi Hills Sub County and is environs of accessing quality health services.

The CEC for Health Ruth Koech said that work on the multimillion Hospital is on track. She explained that the project has now reached 95%.

The CEC, who toured the facility, which is currently under construction said that the state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind in the region.

Emmanuel Kipyego 35, a resident of Nandi Hills town, said the new hospital is a positive development in Nandi. “We are glad that this is happening at our time here in Nandi Hills, since we can see and witness it,” he said.

The facility will have an emergency trauma unit with a 24 hour ambulance service system, two theatres, Intensive Care Unit and a High Dependency Unit (HDU).

The health executive said the emergency trauma unit is being set up to cater for accident victims as the Nandi Hills – Kericho – Kisumu highway has no trauma hospital.

Other mega projects under construction are the Shs 409 million Kapsabet County Referral Hospital with Mother and Baby Unit, the new Shs 17.8 million Kabiyet Hospital, Kobujoi Hospital at Shs 29million, Shs 49 million Chepterwai Trauma Centre and Meteitei Hospital Maternity Wing at Shs 6.4 million.

Also, there are projects which rolled over from Financial Year 2018/19 that are nearing completion, these include; construction of new 17 dispensaries and 10 new maternity wings.

To ensure easy movement of patients in dire need of emergency health services, the county government of Nandi has purchased ten state-of-the-art ambulances with all the necessary lifesaving equipment. This fleet will be deployed to cover all the sub counties.

The County Government of Nandi joined the rest of the world in marking this year’s World Cancer Day under the global theme “I am and I will”.

‘I am and I will’ is the empowering call-to-action urging for personal commitments and represent the power of the individual action taken now to impact the future. The local theme for this years is ‘I am concerned. I will fight cancer.’

Annette, cervical cancer survivor

The theme emphasizes the need for individuals to harness and mobilize the solutions and catalyze positive change in cancer prevention, control and treatment. It is in line with the Ministry of Health transformative agenda which integrates provision of promotive, preventive and screening, early diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitative and palliative health care services in the fight against cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths globally, with approximately 14 million new cases recorded each year.

Cervical cancer survivor Annette from Kapsabet town maintains that stigmatization remains a major challenge facing cancer victims.

Cancer Support Group

‘‘Have walked this journey and i know what it takes, in many occasions those next to me were avoiding all that i undertook including sitting next to me, we can not win the war against cancer with stigmatization on the rise.’’ she said.

Annette survived cervical cancer after getting early diagnosis and treatment.

CEC for Lands, Environment and Natural Resources Dr Philemon Bureti

She is now urging parents to take their female children for cervical screening saying cervical cancer is treatable at early stages and they should not shy away.

“Screening saves lives by detecting cancers early, often before they have spread and when more treatment options are available,” says Kenei, Oncologist at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.

Chief Officer for Social Welfare Scholastica Tuwei

He noted that the commonest cancers under review at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital are; cancer of the breast, cancer of gastrointestinal tract comprising of the esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, cancer of the cervix, lymphomas and leukemia and cancer of the ovary.

Kapsabet Ward MCA Hon. Fred Kipkemboi

Speaking during the event, the CEC Administration, Public Service and e-Government Triza Morogo who was the Chief Guest noted that early detection of cancer helps in treatment as well as reduce the costs involved in treatment.

Screening for various cancers (breast, prostate and cervical) for the general public was offered at the Hospital. This was done by doctors and other health professionals drawn from the referral hospital at no cost. The screening services are available at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital Oncology Department.

Also present were the Kapsabet Ward MCA Hon. Fred Kipkemboi, CEC for Lands, Environment and Natural Resources Dr. Philemon Bureti, Chief Officer for Social Welfare Scholastica Tuwei and Kapsabet Ward Administrator Ms Grace among other senior county officials.

At least Twenty four youngsters from seven counties of Nandi, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Bomet, Makueni, Elgeiyo Marakwet and Nakuru, underwent free transformative cleft lip and palate operations at Nandi Hills County Hospital. Thanks to an initiative by the County Government of Nandi in partnership with BelaRisu Foundation and Smile Train for their dedication to give free medical support to those with the condition.

Cleft lip and palate is a condition that occurs when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form fully during pregnancy. It can either be a small or large opening that goes through the lip to the nose, making feeding and speaking difficult.

Two operation rooms were made available at the hospital, with food and other supplies provided to all patients and their families for free by the county hospital.

Brenda Jerono from Bomet said she was grateful to both the hospital and BelaRisu for helping treat her seven-month-old boy Brian Kipchumba.

“I feel so glad and relieved, I never believed my son would one day benefit from any surgery, am so happy,” she said. “It feels like such a big burden and weight has been removed from my shoulders thanks to the successful surgery.”

Dr. Joseph Kangor, Nandi Hills County Hospital Medical Superintendent called the experience both a challenging and rewarding one, “I was more than happy to take part because this was for a good cause, helping families who could not financially afford to have the surgery for their children. Seeing the emotional impact on the faces of the parents after the surgery is an indescribable feeling that makes it all worth it,” he added.

“Our surgical program changes the entire course of our patients’ lives,” said Dr. Martin Kamau , CEO BelaRisu Foundation. “And by forming the partnership with the County Government of Nandi, together we are building a powerful legacy of hope and healing that’s contributing to the overall development of the region and beyond.”

For Everline Cherop, a resident of Ndalat Ward, the free surgery changed the course of life for her 9 month old daughter Sandra Chepkemboi.

“I have always been very worried about her future and what would happen to her if I didn’t get her the surgery she needs,” said Sandra’s mother, Everline Cherop. “But now, I am no longer worried, my child can put on a smile,” she said. “I thank the County Government of Nandi and the doctors for the free service we received,” she added.

Nandi Hills MCA Hon. Gideon Koech thanked the County Government of Nandi and BelaRisu for choosing Nandi Hills Hospital. “I pray that we make the medical camp an annual event,” said Hon. Koech.

This year, the medical camp saw an increase of beneficiaries from last year’s 19 to this year’s 24.

Clefts are the leading birth defect in many developing countries.

No one knows exactly what the cause of a cleft lip and palate is, but most experts agree that the causes are due to a number of factors which may include genetic predisposition as well as environmental issues such as drug and alcohol use, smoking, maternal illness, infections, lack of Vitamin B, also known as folic acid.

WASH services in healthcare facilities are fundamental to the provision of quality, people-centred care.

The lack of safe water, functional toilets and hand washing facilities in healthcare settings poses significant health risks to patients, healthcare workers and nearby communities.

Waterlines USA handed over a water harvesting project to Lolkeringet Health Centre in Kabiyet Ward, Mosop Sub County.

Waterlines Director Diane Reimers said “This has truly been a collaborative journey with the community, the contractor and the County Government of Nandi. The idea of building a water harvesting tank is truly heartwarming to witness the idea that came to pass.”

Speaking during the occasion, Waterlines Mark Reimers quipped, “Waterlines USA is excited to be part of this water and sanitation project. The handover of this 50,000 litre water harvesting tank, is creating impact and changing lives, that’s why we are at Lolkeringet Health Centre today.”

The CEC for Health Ruth Koech thanked the organization. “Water plays an important role in the health care field, for Waterlines, we can’t thank you enough for your support,” she said.

WASH in healthcare facilities provides the basis for “do no harm” and plays a critical role in infection control.

Present at the event were the County Director for Health Dr. David Bungei and Kabiyet Ward Administrator.

A five-month-old boy, Allan Kipyego from Kabianga in Kericho County is among beneficiaries of a two day free medical/surgical camp sponsored by the County Government of Nandi in partnership with BelaRisu Foundation and Smile Train.

Allan Kipyego is among the over 30 patients who have been screened in the first day of the medical camp. His father Peter Boit and mother Agnes Boit could not hide their joy and expressed their gratitude to the County Government of Nandi, BelaRisu Foundation and Smile Train for organizing the free medical camp.

CEC Ruth Koech & Director for Health Dr. David Bungei checking on Viola Ntaanu’s Baby from Makueni scheduled for surgery

The CEC for Health Ruth Koech urged parents with children suffering from such conditions to take advantage of the free medical camp that goes on till Saturday.

On his part, the County Director for Health Dr. David Bungei called on locals to seek early treatment to avoid preventable complications.

World Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

World Cancer Day (WCD) 2020 marks the launch of the 4 -year ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign. According to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), which leads WCD, ‘I Am and I Will’ is an empowering call to action, asking individuals to make a personal commitment to help reduce the impact of cancer.

Whoever you are – a cancer survivor, co-worker, carer, friend, business leader, healthcare worker, teacher or student – ‘I A m and I Will’ represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.

This year’s commemoration will be held at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. Activities on the day will include; Free mammography, Clinical breast examination cancer, papsmear and Health Education.

The County Government of Nandi has partnered with BelaRisu Foundation and Smile Train to host the annual free surgical cleft lip and palate correction camp from January 30th to 31st at the Nandi Hills County Hospital to restore smiles of many children born with the condition.

A cleft lip is an opening or split in the upper lip that occurs when developing facial structures in the fetus do not close completely. A cleft palate is an opening or split in the roof of the mouth that occurs when the tissue doesn’t fuse together during development in the womb.

Residents who have children with the condition are being urged to register and turn up in large numbers at Nandi Hills Hospital on the planned dates so that they can benefit from the free services.

The County Government of Nandi is set to announce a new initiative with Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK), London-based Tea Company, Twinings, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Sustaining Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) Plus project. The initiative is aimed at strengthening primary and community healthcare in the County. The leading tea companies are coming on board as the first private sector partners to establish a partnership with the county for accelerating primary healthcare transformation in support of universal health coverage.

“The County Government of Nandi is committed to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage. We are open to fostering partnerships that are dynamic and mutually beneficial and we foresee great potential in this partnership” said Ruth Koech, CEC for Health.

The partnership will harness the talent, expertise, technology, and resources of the private sector, in alignment and close collaboration with the County Government of Nandi.

The partnership will bring in resources from the community, Sireet OEP, Twinings, Eastern Produce Kenya, and USAID, and will be implemented with the support of two organizations working with Eastern Produce Kenya: SHOPS Plus and Afya Research Africa (ARA). R. Twinings co. Limited. A UK tea blender that has an ethical sourcing program called “Sourced with Care,” which ensures that the company sources responsibly and acts as force for good to improve quality of life in the communities from which the company sources around the world. SHOPS Plus is USAID’s flagship initiative in private sector health, which seeks to harness the full potential of the private sector and catalyze public-private engagement to improve health outcomes in family planning, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and other health areas. ARA is Kenyan non-profit organization that focuses on sustainable solutions that tackle access, cost, and quality issues associated with healthcare services in Kenya.

The pilot program will refurbish, equip and strengthen the capacity of a local health facility that serves many of EPK’s tea workers, working closely with local community to ensure the quality and sustainability of services. The Chepsire facility had benefited from an investment from Sireet OEP in a structure that is partially complete. This will be refurbished, completed and equipped for improved services.

Earlier today, the CEC for Health Ruth Koech and officials from Eastern Produce Kenya led by Leah Kibii, Company Director at Eastern Produce Kenya held a consultative meeting towards the realization of the partnership. Present at the meeting were the Chief Officer Water and Sanitation Sally Kemboi, Director for Health Dr. David Bungei, Kapsabet County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Daniel Kemboi and his Nandi Hills and Meteitei Sub County Hospital counterparts Dr. Joseph Kangor and Dr. Kibor and also the Deputy Director Monitoring and Evaluation Mathew Rotich.

The County Government of Nandi today signed the Intergovernmental Participation Agreement (IPA) paving the way for the commissioning of UHC scale up in the county.

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki presided over the signing of the agreement, which stipulates the roles for both national and county governments in the implementation of UHC.

Under the IPA key areas have been prioritized for investment in the scale up of UHC based on the lessons learnt in the UHC pilot exercise. The priority areas include progressive move towards increasing the human resource for health to enhance access to health services.

Speaking at the event, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said the county is already putting emphasis on some key areas such as the scaling up maternal and child health, immunization coverage, prevention of non-communicable diseases particularly diabetes and hypertension, prevention of water borne, TB and HIV sexually transmitted diseases among others.

“Focus has been made on preventable and primary health care taking steps towards developing reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health,” he added.

He called on NHIF to give priority to public hospitals. He urged the national Government to support counties in the establishment of level 5 Hospitals in all the 47 counties.

The County Government of Nandi and the National Government have committed to recruit additional skilled human resources which includes engagement of the interns through the Youth Empowerment Program.

Under the IPA, the County Government of Nandi is required to allocate a minimum of 30% of the respective county budget to health and progressively increase it.

The National Government will this financial year 2019/20 invest Kshs 41.9 billion in key strategic areas informed by lessons learnt from the pilot and existing health system gaps in Human Resource for health, Commodities, Primary Health Care services, Community Health services and service delivery to supplement county government investments.

The National Government also committed to supplement county allocations for the supply of essential medicines and medical supplies including laboratory commodities to be made available to public health facilities in Kenya through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority.

So far the UHC Pilot Programme in Machakos, Kisumu, Isiolo and Nyeri has seen increased utilization in services ranging from 20% to 50% across the four counties.

Also present was the CEC for Health Ruth Koech and North Rift Economic Bloc Governors.

Nandi residents have been urged to utilize public health facilities within the county that have been upgraded by the county government and now offer quality and affordable medical services.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said that in curative healthcare, his administration has invested in improvement of facilities starting with the Kapsabet County Referral and Nandi Hills County Hospitals.

He added that MRI, CT Scan, Dialysis unit, operation theaters and maternity wings in Kapsabet and Nandi hills hospitals were equipped with modern machines through funding from the County Government of Nandi.

Governor Sang said in preventive healthcare services, the county has put in place measures to ensure that Nandi residents are free of preventable illnesses.

He was speaking at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital after receiving Shs 50 million worth of drugs and non pharmaceuticals that will be supplied to health facilities across the county.

Governor Sang called on KEMSA to be timely with delivery of the drugs so as to meet the needs of patients in the county. He cited the Law barring counties from buying drugs outside KEMSA as the cause of delays, as has been witnessed in disbursement of the supplies to counties in the recent past.

The governor said the batch received will sustain Nandi hospitals for the next three months.

He further explained that his administration is upgrading facilities to benefit Nandi residents. ”The construction of Kabiyet, Nandi Hills, Meteitei Maternity wing are almost complete,” he said.

Sang stated that Nandi Hills as well as Chepterwai Hospitals, would be fitted with fully-equipped trauma centres.

Present at the event were the Chief Officer for Health Dr. Paul Lagat, Director for Health Dr. David Bungei and Kapsabet County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Daniel Kemboi.