News Categories: Health and Sanitation

At least 17 children and 3 adults from five counties with cleft lip and palate deformities benefited from a two day free surgeries camp conducted by a team of surgeons from the County Government of Nandi and South Sudan in conjunction with BelaRisu Foundation and Smile Train at an event held at Nandi Hills Hospital.

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.

Ms Makena Mbili from Meru County is all smiles after her son underwent a successful surgery.

Everyday so many children are born with craniofacial deformities most common being cleft lip and cleft palate. Clefts often interfere with children’s feeding, and speech and in unfortunate circumstances some often die due to malnutrition or simple neglect. Those children that make it to adulthood are sometimes stigmatized at jobs or even in social settings. In turn they lose hope and dignity.

Health & Sanitation CEC Ruth Koech checks on Kipyator Ezra’s son from Narok

A beneficiary, Mr. Augustine Keino from Kapng’etuny village in Nandi Hills sub county whose son was born with the malformation that had affected his speech, commended the county government of Nandi and BelaRisu foundation for enabling his son smile again, adding that it will help in restoring broken self-esteem among many children and adults who turned up for the surgery.

Augustine Keino from Kapngetuny in Nandi hills ward with his son after the surgery

“I’m happy, more than overjoyed,” Augustine said. He said there is no longer any reason to for him or his son to feel ashamed.

“I want to tell our people that the condition is not a curse, but a medical condition that can be corrected,” said Ruth Koech the CEC for Health and Sanitation.

She thanked BelaRisu and Smile Train for the partnership and for the successful surgeries they carried.

The CEC thanked Governor Stephen Sang for dedicating more resources towards health sector and called on locals to seek early treatment to avoid preventable complications.

“Everybody expects their child to be perfect in every way and these are visible flaws that people don’t always realize are conditions that can be fixed,” Dr. Joseph Kangor the Nandi hills Hospital Medical Superintendent said. “Fortunately as an experienced team, we can make these things near normal again,” he said.

Dr. Martin CEO BelaRusi Foundation

Elizabeth Chepkoech Kirui from Narok, could not hide her joy as her son Ernest Kiprotich was able to smile again.

“I am very happy because my son has received this help from the doctors. He can now grow like other children. I thank the county government of Nandi and the doctors from Sudan,” said a delighted Elizabeth.

“I thank God. He did it,” said Emmaculate Onyango from Migori County, whose 1-year-old daughter Gillian had her cleft lip surgery. After the operation, back in the pediatric ward, she worshipped God and was overcome by emotion in light of His faithfulness to her and the child.

“I am very much grateful to God, and I consider this as sent from heaven,” Emmaculate said.

“It fits with our mission. It helps with a need,” Dr. Martin BelaRisu Foundation CEO said. “Whenever we’re caring for people who are marginalized by society, I think we’re acting like Jesus did.”

Nandi Hills Ward MCA Hon. Gideon Koech who’s also the Chairperson Implementation Committee at the County Assembly applauded the health department for the ongoing upgrade of Nandi Hills Hospital.

The County government of Nandi has installed a Sh12.7 million oxygen manufacturing plant at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.

The plant is set to improve the quality of medical care and save residents’ millions of shillings spent on oxygen.

The Oxygen generating plant is capable of producing 50 cylinders of oxygen every week. The plant will supply the gas to all the hospital’s wards and two theatres and other county hospitals.

Medical oxygen is used to aid breathing in patients with respiratory challenges, especially in theatre, obstetrics, and intensive care units. It is also used to treat ailments like pneumonia.

The oxygen supply unit is set to increase supply of oxygen in Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, which has been buying oxygen from local manufacturers hence greatly reducing the cost incurred.

Given its importance, oxygen was recently added, by the World Health Organisation, to the list of essential medicines that all hospitals must have.

Oxygen is so critical in emergency care, that without it, pregnant women, newborns and children under the age of five, risk death if the gas is not available in hospitals.

“We are excited to tackle the oxygen supply problem and hope to impact many lives through this sustainable model,” said Health and Sanitation CEC Ruth Koech while on a tour of the plant.

Ruth said that the county government has embarked on major refurbishments of health facilities across the county.

She said the construction of Kapsabet Mother and Baby Hospital Complex has commenced.

“We want to ensure that medical tourism to Nairobi and other Counties is minimized because it’s our business as a department to provide adequate medical care,” she said.

Governor Stephen Sang has today opened Chepyegoris Dispensary in Sang’alo/Kebulonik ward in a bid to boost healthcare in Nandi County.

Speaking while officially opening the facility, the County Chief mentioned that his government is committed to ensuring Universal Healthcare is achieved by the residents of Nandi.

Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Cheruiyor said that no one should have to walk for more than five kilometers before reaching a health facility in this County within the next ten years.

On her part,the CECM for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech, reiterated that trekking for long distances to seek health services will be a thing of the past. She also urged the residents to register for the National Health Insurance (NHIF).

Sarah, a resident of Sekemik village thanked the county government of Nandi for opening the facility. “It has been ten years since we saw this dispensary being constructed amid wrangles. I want to thank the Governor for making his promise true. The CEC for Health and Sanitation was here some weeks ago and promised us that within the next one month, the facility will be opened. And true to her word, we are here to celebrate the official opening of our facility.”

Other facilities to be operationalized in the course of the month include: Boi Dispensary, Mosombor Dispensary, Kosoiywo Dispensary, SikSik Dispensary, Masan Dispensary, Ndubusat Dispensary, Tamboiyo Dispensary, Ndubusat Dispensary and Kamamut Dispensary.

Annually International Nurses Week begins on May 6th and ends of May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday (May 12, 1820 – August 13, 1910). International Nurses Week marks the time when we honor the significant contributions of nurses past and present, and look ahead to the challenges facing the nursing profession.

Hundreds of Nandi County Nurses joined the world in celebrating the International Nurses Week to highlight the role nurses play in promoting health and wellness in different countries across the world.

The event was held at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Namgoi in Emgwen Sub County under the theme “A Voice To Lead, Health For All”.

The weeklong event was officially closed by the Nandi County Secretary Dr. Francis Sang. Several nurses shared their personal experiences from their career with the student nurses.

In his address, Dr. Sang said nurses play a key role in provision of health services to patients in all hospitals through their hard work and dedication.

Dr. Sang said that the county government of Nandi is always focused on the safer working conditions of the healthcare workforce, staffing and funding for their education. “Our actions are focused on keeping our healthcare workers on the job, for the benefit of the profession, the county’s healthcare system, and the patients/clients,” he added.

“Nurses are the backbone of the health sector in any country,” said Dr. Sang.

He also urged upcoming nurses in both Kaptumo MTC and Mosoriot, to tirelessly work hard in their studies and be a source of inspiration to anyone who wants to join the noble nursing profession in addition to taking good care of the community that totally depends on them.

Speaking at the same occasion, Nandi Deputy County Secretary Truphena Kobilo expressed her gratitude to all the nurses who balance the demands of their careers with the demands of their families. “I know how difficult it can be when juggling family and career responsibilities. As care givers in both their personal and professional lives, nurses deserve all our respect, and our thanks,” she said.

In her address, the guest speaker Dr Isabella Mbai thanked all nurses for their dedication to what she believes is the noblest of professions. “I hope each of you has an opportunity to appreciate the rewards of such a fulfilling career, and to take pride in the professionalism and the passion that motivates all nurses,” she said.

Also present were the County Director for Health Dr. David Bungei, Moi University lecturers from the Department of Midwifery and Gender Dr Lydia Mwanzia and Dr Prisca J. Bundotich Mosol, Nandi County Deputy Nuraing Officer Laban Rotich, KNUN Officials led by their Chairman Mr. Sang among other guests.

The event was organized by the County Department of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with CPF, KCC Kapsabet.

Nurses in Nandi County celebrated the International Nurses Week at the Nandi County Headquarters where they also renewed their vows to support healthcare through dedicated and compassionate care. The week-long celebrations started on May 6 with the official launch in Homabay County by the Chief Administrative Secretary the Hon. Rachel Shebesh Homabay County with the theme “Nurses: A voice to lead – Health for All”. Nandi nurses started their celebration with a wellness check up of members of staff and the public and created awareness of diabetes and lifestyle diseases.

The nurses also engaged members of staff and the public in infection control activities such as hand washing and hand hygiene exercises.

Speaking during the event, Medical Services Chief Officer Dr. Paul Lagat lauded the nursing staff for being important stakeholders in healthcare. He encouraged them to be motivated in in delivering high-quality, life-saving medical care to patients.

“Our nurses play an essential role in ensuring that our patients have a positive experience at our hospital and leave in a better condition than they arrived,” said Dr. Lagat.

“Because of nurses’ wide-ranging roles and our sheer numbers, we are well positioned to identify and help solve many public health problems in the course of providing individual care to our patients and their families,” said Sally Kemboi, the Chief Officer Preventive and Promotive Services.

“Nurses have successfully used our voices and expertise to inspire, innovate, and influence to advance the health of our nation. I urge all nurses to become passionate about public health and to advocate for the causes that they feel strongly about,” she added.

“I salute Nandi nurses who have shown utmost dedication to their job and selfless service to the people who need help,”said Chepterwai ward MCA Hon. Elphas Cheruiyot.

OUR NURSES, OUR DAILY HEROES!

Health and Sanitation CEC Ruth Koech has urged all parents and caregivers, to take their children to the nearest health facility for free vaccination to immunize them against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and polio.

Vaccinations are given to prevent 10 diseases that have historically proven harmful to children, causing serious complications and even death, including polio, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus and hepatitis B.

The vaccines are commonly administered by drops in the mouth or through injections.

Speaking at Koibem Dispensary in Chepkumia ward, the county executive committee member said that it will now be mandatory for children to be fully vaccinated for these diseases before attending school.

“There is a vaccination schedule that starts at birth and the vaccination schedule that every child must adhere to, and this goes up to the age of six. Once they enter primary school or pre-school, which will be children around seven years of age, they should be adequately and fully immunized to enter,” she said.

The CEC pointed out that the vaccines are the first line of defence to protect a child’s underdeveloped immune system against diseases.

“Vaccines are not treatment. They are given to prevent you from getting sick if you come in contact with the germ. You have to get the vaccine before you are exposed to the germ, so that the immune system will already have the antibodies ready and on hand so that once you are exposed to the germ, then your body can mount an effective and increased immune response to prevent you from getting sick,” she explained.

Ruth said that a child who attends school without being fully immunized is highly susceptible to contracting life-threatening diseases and also poses a potentially serious public health risk to others.

“It is our collective responsibility as parents, caregivers and communities to work side-by-side with the health system to ensure that our children are up-to-date with immunization to protect them from infectious childhood diseases because one unvaccinated child can pose a huge risk to children they stay or play with,” she added.

“That is why I urge everyone to ensure that their children receive these free services at their nearest health facility because vaccination does not only protect the individual but curbs the spread of diseases within the community”, said Ruth.

The County Government of Nandi is prioritizing the health and safety of patients by taking action and providing hospitals across the county with funding to upgrade, repair and maintain their facilities.

Chepkumia ward residents are set to get improved health services as plans are underway to upgrade three health facilities in the ward.

The three facilities earmarked for upgrade at a tune of Shs.9 million are Koibem, Chepkumia and Kabwareng dispensaries.

Upon completion, Chepkumia will be elevated to a level three hospital.

Speaking on Monday when she visited the health facilities, Health and Sanitation CEC Ruth Koech said the renovations will commence in a few weeks after the tendering procedures is completed.

The county executive committee member said the decision to upgrade the facilities is meant to spare Chepkumia ward residents the long distances they have to contend with to get tertiary health care.

“The health and safety of patients and families is a priority for our government. That’s why we are making the necessary investments in our hospitals now, to ensure our providers have the facilities they need to continue to provide excellent quality care to patients. This funding will help ensure hospitals across the county are able to make the needed upgrades, improvements and maintenance so that patients and families have access to reliable, quality care they expect and deserve,” she added.

“The county government of Nandi is investing in essential health care projects to ensure the people of Nandi county will have health care services they can depend on now and for future generations,” said Ruth.

She further said that her department will continue to listen to the patients and the people who plan and work on the frontlines. She said that together, we will create a health care system that works for the people of Nandi County.

Deputy Speaker Wilson Sang who’s also the area MCA applauded Governor Stephen Sang’s development efforts in his ward and the entire county.

“In two years, Chepkumia has seen growth never witnessed before, roads that were hard to imagine could be done such as have been rehabilitated, although we still need to do more, we are on the right track and we have confidence in the leadership of Governor Sang for more achievements,” said the Deputy Speaker.

The CEC was accompanied by the Chief Officer Preventive and Promotive Services Sally Kemboi and Director Administration and Operations Dr. Philemon Bureti.

World Immunization Week 2019 commemorated around the world celebrates vaccine heroes ;from parents and community members to health workers and innovators ,who help ensure we are all protected, at all ages, through the power of vaccines.This year’s theme being: Protected Together.

The campaign aims at promoting the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunization saves millions of lives every year and is widely recognised as one of the world’s most successful and cost effective health interventions. Yet, there are still nearly 20 million unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children in the world today.

Vaccine innovators are heroes who develop new vaccines and innovations to reach more kids in more countries to save lives.

Currently available vaccines protect children and adults against over 20 life-threatening diseases, and vaccines in the pipeline have the potential to expand this protection to even more diseases, including HIV and norovirus. Vaccine preventable diseases include:Measles,cervical cancer,meningitis,mumps,pertussis,pneumonia,polio,rabies,rotavirus,rubella,tetanus , typhoid,yellow fever among others.

Mary(not her real name) is one of the vaccines champion who missed her polio vaccine at a young age.

Mary(not her real name)46, spent her childhood crawling on her  hands and knees in a remote village in Cheptil, Nandi County.

Paralyzed by polio at age 5, she was unable to attend school until her uncle built her a hand-pedalled tricycle at age 19.

“That was a turning point,” recalls Mary. “It restored my hope, my dignity and put me on the path of progress again.”

With dignity, she returned to school – at the beginning. “I went back and finished primary and secondary school. But I couldn’t get into university of my choice right away, so I attended a teacher’s college and earned a teaching position. ”Then, that same year, I got into law school and trained as a lawyer.”

Mary is now an immunization champion spreading the word and urging all mothers to attend all the antenatal and postnatal clinics to keep the child healthy.Mothers  countywide are now encouraged to deliver in hospital as they are well taken care of and provided with delivery ‘mama packs’; which include diapers,baby shawls, baby cloth, sanitary towels, soap, ointment and mama’s lesoas first essentials.

CECM Ruth Koech,mentioned that the County Government will continue to ensure that vaccines procured meet minimum standards and will also need to continue its vital role. Coming up being the immunization policy,a first in the country,to ensure that all children are covered in the exercise.

The Assistant County Commissioner reiterating that his administration will work handy in providing data required in ensuring that the exercise is a success for all and ensuring a healthy county.

“We all have a responsibility to make sure immunizations are up-to-date for us and all of our family and loved ones. The result of not immunizing our children is a great burden to the parent and community at large which is preventable.” Ruth added.

The event was held at Meteitei Sub County Hospital in Songok-Soba Ward,Tinderet Sub-County. In attendance were The Director Medical services, Assistant County Commissioner,County and Sub-County Health Committee,and the immunization partners.

The Sharon Live-On Directors, Barnabas Korir, Chairman Athletics Kenya, Nairobi Region together with his wife Dr.Agnes Korir, today paid a courtesy call to the CECM Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech on a follow up on Sharon Live-On Support program to the County.

Sharon Jepchumba Korir, an 8-year old girl, in 2003 was bitten by a stray dog, which first chased her and then attacked her, leaving a small scratch on her back.Her parents took Sharon immediately to the hospital,but later succumbed to active-rabies three weeks later.

It was this tragedy that inspired Sharon’s mother, Dr. Agnes Korir, a lecturer at Daystar University in Nairobi, to open a foundation  in Sharon’s name,Sharon Live-On Foundation. Finding a way to keep her daughter’s death from being in vain.

The Foundation together with its partners are planning on facelifting Sironoi Dispensary to aid in improving service delivery to its environs. This includes equipping it fully to a higher level facility. The foundation has already bought an acre piece of land in readiness of the construction of the extensive building as soon as MoU is signed between them and the County Government.

The CECM in the brief mentioned that this is a welcomed partnership as it it will boost the health care fraternity. “This will built as an emulative act by other partners and organizations through the country to promote health services” mentioned the health boss.

Present during the meeting were the Chief Officer Preventive and Promotive Health Services Sally Kemboi and the Director Medical Services Dr.David Bungei.