Bungoma is one Counties that can benefit from a Primary Health Care project (PHC), which aims to promote health at the grassroots.
Other Counties in which the project is being implemented include Nyeri and Embu, as well as Nakuru.
Bungoma Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) network, a Non-governmental organization will implement the project in Bungoma on behalf of WHO and the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI).
The aim is to promote better health outcomes for women and newborns, ensure increased uptake of Ante- natal care (ANC) visits in the health facilities, reduced teenage pregnancy and strengthen weak referral systems in the health facilities in Bungoma County.
Dr. Johnstone Akatu was the Bungoma County director, of health and medical service. He spoke at an inaugural meeting with stakeholders from Sub-County health facilities. He praised the World Health Organization as well as the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative for including Bungoma County in its list to support residents getting primary health care.
“This is a good gesture and as a county, let us take it positively and ensure that our mothers are accessing an improved health care system,” he added.
Akatu pointed out that Bungoma has a lot of luck and will allow residents to access better services, thereby reducing maternal deaths in the region.
He also noted that Bungoma county has developed a community-based health strategy. Volunteers from the community travel around the county to ensure that people have access to better healthcare.
“We have 3,450 Community health volunteers that we have deployed across the county that help us in monitoring pregnant women and other sick people in the villages,” he noted.
Akatu stated that some people stay at home and do not seek medical attention from any health facilities. The CHVs have helped residents access services.
He stated that the County has health providers in all levels of hospitals and high-volume facilities.
“Dispensaries have at least two health providers as high volume health facilities have four health providers that are ensuring that our people are getting improved healthcare,” he added.
Akatu also acknowledged that all Sub-County healthcare providers were informed about the PHC project, and they will be the first to implement it in their respective areas.
Rahma Issa, the PHC project coordinator said the project will be implemented in Sirisia, Webuye West and Kanduyi Constituencies.
“We have identified three Constituencies, Sirisia, Webuye West and Kanduyi as areas where the project will be run for the next two months,” she said.
Options MAMAYE and Stage Media arts are Bungoma County’s partners in the PHC projects. Marie stopses, Civil Society Organizations, and Bungoma County government are also part of the Bungoma County project.
Roseland Lumwamu
Source: kenyanews
