Health multi-sectoral stakeholders hold a two-day meeting, supported by USAID Imarisha Jamii, to discuss their various drought emergency mitigation and responses, one health concept and primary healthcare (PHC) agenda.
The main objective of the meeting, organised by the County Department of Health and Sanitation, is to enhance better understanding of the drought situation in the county, so as to identify way forward to accelerate responses coupled with the one health concept (Kimormor) and PHC agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the County Executive Committee Member of Health and Sanitation, Director of Partnerships – Nancy Kinyonge said the county government was in full support of Kimormor and is collaborating with partners to strengthen it alongside primary healthcare.
A SMART survey conducted in January 2023 in the seven sub-counties, presented by the County Deputy Director for Family Health Gabriel Lopodo, indicated a reduction of cases of severe acute malnutrition compared to how the situation was a few months ago. He pointed out that Turkana South as having the highest at 35.2% while Turkana West at 20.3%.
“Insecurity along the riverine area of Turkana South which has forced residents out of their farms was mainly been identified as the cause for the high percentage of acute malnutrition recorded in the survey,” he said.
He further added that one of the report’s recommendations included exhaustive mass screening in all hot spots to ensure all malnourished women and children access treatment in all service delivery points.
AMREF’s Country Director, Meshack Ndirangu, lauded the partnership between the County Government and the private sector on primary healthcare, and assured of their commitment towards achievement of Universal Health Coverage.
The meeting also provides a platform for USAID Imarisha Jamii to get feedback and insights from other stakeholders on its drought mitigation and response Program, Kimormor and PHC Agenda.
Other partners present for the meeting were World Vision Kenya, Pan Africare Kenya, Save the Children, LOKADO, Diocese of Lodwar and AIC Health Ministries.
