COUNTY SETS AGENDA TO INTEGRATE HIV AND OTHER HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Closer integration of HIV and other relevant health services has the potential to increase the reach and uptake of services, enhance efficiency, be cost-effective, make services more people-centred and improve their quality. Integrated services can better satisfy the intersecting health care needs of people than traditional, separated delivery models.
The County Government of Nandi seeks to integrate its healthcare services to include HIV care. This was revealed during the HIV Service Delivery Integration Summit that opened Tuesday in Mombasa with a focus on strengthening Kenya’s response to HIV/AIDS through enhanced collaboration and innovative strategies.
The summit, attended by CEC Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech, County Director for Health Dr David Bungei and the CASCO Coordinator Richard Bwaley and brought together professionals and policymakers, aims to align Kenya’s HIV response with broader healthcare reforms, including Universal Health CoverageCoverage was presided over by the Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.
The county integration domains or levels begun with the absorption of program staff into the county payroll.
Systems linkages to establish unified support systems that facilitate and enable delivery of integrated services. Linked systems include health worker education and training, procurement and supply chain management, pharmacy and laboratory services, health management information and client management systems, and integrated budgeting. This can enhance coordination and support more streamlined and efficient services.
Service integration that range from linking certain services or adding them to specialized platforms, to fully integrating services in one location (one-stop shops).
Multifacility integration to involve networking health facilities and other service providers so that people with chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, can conveniently access specialist care.