Gladys Wanga's plan to make healthcare accessible
Nyanza
By
James Omoro
| Nov 13, 2023
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has said her administration will work with Community Health Volunteers (CHV) to enhance healthcare accessibility in the county.
The CHVs offer preventive health services in villages in remote areas and estates in urban parts of the county.
Homa Bay has recruited more than 2,500 CHVs. The CHVs see the patients at the community level and refer cases that require advanced medical attention to health facilities in the county.
The health workers also sensitise the locals on issues such as prevention of diseases such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, TB, malaria, cholera and other communicable diseases.
Wanga said her administration considers the CHVs as the first line of defence against diseases in the county.
READ MORE
Romania destroys drone near offshore gas project, blames Russia
Suspected robber held as police recover M16 rifle, ammunition and drugs in Isiolo
Correction and clarification on the inauguration of Ngugi arts centre
Limuru's calling, as Ngugi wa Thiong'o Centre unveiled, Kombani launches book
Nyutu: State-backed intimidation tainting Ol Kalou poll
Martinelli scores in 95th minute to send Brazil into World Cup last 16
Court of Appeal should abandon its obsession with procedure and its decisions
PS Bitok campaigned for Ruto in Baringo as the country mourned Utumishi girls
Let Utumishi Girls fire trigger rethink on school safety
Orwoba hits out at govt for holding prayer breakfast amid Utumishi Girls tragedy
Speaking when she presided over the distribution of comprehensive medical kits to the CHVs in Homa Bay, Wanga said her administration will continue to build the capacity of the volunteers to enable them to offer services to the community.
"The CHVs play a significant role in our endeavour to prevent the spread of preventable diseases in the county. We will continue to build their capacity to enable them to discharge their duties better," Wanga said.
The medical kits contain different medical equipment for diagnosing various diseases before referral services take place.
Monthly stipend
The county currently pays the CHVS a Sh 2,500 monthly stipend.
Wanga said the county still grapples with a high disease burden, hence the need for the community to have information on how to prevent some of the diseases.
"We need the community to be aware of measures for preventing various diseases to enable us to achieve our dream of keeping diseases at bay. This will be achieved through proper engagement between the CHVs and the community," she added.
She told the CHVs to discharge their duties diligently.
"Let our CHVs ensure all expectant mothers deliver in health facilities to reduce maternal and infant mortality in our county," she said.
Homa Bay has one of the worst health burdens.