News Categories: Health and Sanitation

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.

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.