OPTIMISING THE COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT
Primary health care (PHC) is considered to be an important tool in achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
Health centers in Nandi County play an important role in health care delivery. They usually serve as the first line of service and meet basic health care needs.
Earlier today, the Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr. Paul Lagat made an impromptu visit to Koilot Health Center in Ol’Lessos Ward to check on the facility’s community health strategy that relies on community health workers for outreach at the lowest levels (embedded into communities).
Koilot, situated in Nandi hills sub county is a shining example of an integrated community unit where practical skills are offered to the community especially the vulnerable groups and knowledge and appropriate attitude change is exchanged and grounded.
The community unit structure comprises CHCs, CHVs, CHWs, households, and affiliate health facilities. The nearest health facility is the community’s link for seeking all health services.
The community unit, which draws its membership from the catchment area, is led by the CHC and office personnel to support the CHVs in their community-related health work. Post- devolution, there is increased investment by the county government of Nandi on the community strategy.
A community health policy has been drafted and is being reviewed by the Council of Governors.