Integrated medical outreaches have assisted the County Department of Health and Sanitation in fulfilling its mandate of ensuring a healthy population through increased access to healthcare.
This was evident when the County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, Dr Anthony Apalia, visited the Loreng’elup integrated medical outreach in Kerio Ward, Turkana Central Sub-county.
The team, which included a select number from the Turkana Central Sub-County Health Management team, sought to assess the services offered and uptake and interact with communities from the villages.
The outreach site, supported by World Vision Kenya, is located approximately eight kilometers from the Loreng’elup Dispensary – the link facility.
While speaking at the outreach site, Dr Apalia mentioned that the national and county governments were placing more emphasis on preventive at the household level; and outreaches have been identified as one of the measures.
The Sub-County Medical Officer for Health, Mercy Kawira, urged the community to engage with Community Health Promoters (CHPs), especially during health talks with the facility in charge when referred to the facility for further investigation or treatment.
The CHP, Betel Lopii of Nangochoto A village, highlighted that the outreach has saved the community traveling costs, and facilitated referrals for expectant mothers exhibiting signs of complications.
Furthermore, the outreach also focuses on health talks on family planning, malnutrition management, and general health education. This ensures the community receives comprehensive healthcare support.
The CECM was accompanied by Jane Atabo (Sub-county Public Health Nurse) and Patrick Moi (Sub-county Clinical Services and NCDs Coordinator).
