admin_county March 19, 2020

County feted for managing HIV/Aids pandemic

Nakuru County has been feted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its key role in HIV/Aids pandemic management and response. 
 
Nakuru County took home 7 top awards in addition to emerging the Best Overall on HIV/Aids management program under the USAID Afya Nyota ya Bonde Program.
 
The program is implemented in 7 Counties namely; Nakuru, Kajiado, Narok, Turkana,Samburu, Baringo and Laikipia.
 
The other awards are; Most Improved, Best in Viral Suppression, Best Reporting, Assisted Partner Notification Services, Targeted Testing Services and Positive Identification.
 
CECM for Health Dr Gichuki Kariuki while receiving the trophies said the awards were a testament to the department’s commitment in providing quality and affordable healthcare for all.
 
He added that the Department of Health would explore and further partnerships to supplement local healthcare services interventions.
 
He revealed that the department was working to integrate HIV/Aids and other Non- communicable diseases to other services to manage stigma and discrimination.
 
Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr Solomon Sirma said the awards should serve as a motivation to the dedicated workforce in bettering services.
 
The HIV/Aids program in Nakuru County is led by Dr Rachel Kiuna, who took over from Dr Eliud Agere.
 
The County Government of Nakuru in the 2019/20 financial year allocated 36 percent, amounting to Sh6.3 billion, of its total budget to healthcare financing.
 
Over Sh1 billion will be used in infrastructural upgrades across the County. The remainder will go towards the purchase of drugs and equipment, hiring of staff, training and promotions.