NGPU
December 7, 2023
Milestone in Primary Healthcare Enhancement as Nakuru County Launches Community Health Promoters
Written by Ruth Magak
H.E. Governor Susan Kihika has officially launched the Nakuru County Community Health Program, a pivotal initiative in the ongoing commitment to enhancing primary healthcare for the Nakuru communities.
This day marks a key milestone in the commitment towards improved healthcare, a journey that began during the Kenya Kwanza presidential campaigns.
On May 19, 2022, an economic forum was convened in Nakuru, where Governor Susan Kihika then in her capacity as Senator and leading contestant for the Governor’s seat,
joined H. E. the President, the then Deputy President outlined the crucial role of community health promoters in economic transformation.
Today’s launch is a fulfilment of the promises made as an aftermath of the economic forum, where the Governor had personal encounters with community health promoters across villages and urban centres in Nakuru.
Governor Susan Kihika’s commitments during the campaigns, are now evident with the Community Health Promoters set to play a vital role in bridging the gap between health and livelihood decisions for Nakuru residents.
“Your tireless efforts ensure that individuals facing health-related choices, such as a construction worker with rising blood sugar levels or a pregnant mother in Kabazi, no longer have to compromise their well-being for economic stability. Through your work, an HIV-positive individual gains confidence in seeking comprehensive care, preventing life-altering choices and positively impacting the lives of many,” said the Governor.
The County Government of Nakuru has allocated funds to fulfil the stipend promise, with additional support from the national government, making the total stipend KSH 5,000 per person. Efforts are underway to reduce bank charges, addressing concerns raised by community health promoters.
A smartphone has been provided to all community health promoters, facilitating the collection and relay of critical health data through the Kenya Electronic Community Health Information System (E-CHIS), contributing to informed decision-making.
As part of today’s launch, each community health promoter has received kits containing equipment for screening both communicable and non-communicable diseases, along with essential medicines for managing minor ailments at the household level, promoting preventive healthcare.
The Governor further directed various departments to work closely with you Community Health Promoters. The Department of Trade will develop SACCOS for community health workers to support sustainable livelihoods.
The Department of Health has been directed to facilitate the establishment of support groups for those suffering from non-communicable diseases and different ailments and ensure proper referrals, care and treatment.
The Department of Public Service will now include community health promoters in the county’s citizen engagement strategy.
The Department of Environment will involve community health promoters in environmental sustainability efforts.
The Department of Social Services will develop modalities for the inclusion of community health promoters in community outreach and inclusivity interventions.
Today’s launch is not only symbolic but practical. It includes tools to enable Community Health Promoters to work, emphasizing the Governor’s commitment to supporting you in the CHP role.
Governor Susan Kihika also launched the Community Health Strategy and awarded the best-performing community unit, Mang’u Community Unit of Menengai West Ward, Rongai Sub County.
