The County Department of Health and Sanitation has concluded its Annual Work Plan (AWP) for 2023//2024 with an emphasis on forging strong collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders to attain its strategic objectives.
The planning process involved directors, program officers, sub-county health management team representatives, and partners such as Save the Children International, USAID Nawiri, USAID Imarisha Jamii, International Rescue Committee, PanAfricare Kenya, Concern WorldWide Kenya, and the Diocese of Lodwar.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, Dr Iris Mariao, challenged the team to develop a robust and workable AWP that operates within the budget.
He underlined that CIDP has identified 17 priority areas for the Universal Health Care sector. This, he said, is to achieve the required collaborative efforts between the County Government and partners to achieve the required objectives.
“The benefits of strategic partnership and collaboration to establish an effective health cluster mechanism would ensure that no opportunities are missed,’ he said.
CECM also highlighted strategic partnership is to identify gaps and find participatory solutions.
The approach, Dr Mariao, said, aims to ensure there are no duplications or missed opportunities when working with partners.
This, said the CECM is in line with the governor’s strategic partnerships, wealth creation, and resource mobilisation agenda.
The County Chief Officer (CCO) for Preventative and Promotive Health, Peter Lomorukai, underscored the significance of the AWP as the operational plan for the year.
He also urged partners to align their activities with the AWP to ensure a coordinated approach to healthcare initiatives.
On his part, CCO for Medical Services, Dr Gilchrist Lokoel, outlined the Department’s commitment to building the capacity of sub-county hospitals to reduce referrals to Lodwar County Referral Hospital.
Additionally, he stressed the need for advocacy for human resources for health and budget allocation at the County Assembly.
Alfred Emanman, Director for Public Health and Sanitation, reiterated the priority of improving referral services within the county and increasing the budgetary allocation to the Health Department.
The Deputy Director for Policy Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation, Sarah Lokaala, expressed her appreciation for the support from the participants.
She also highlighted the Department’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services in the County.
Anthony Arasio, Amref Africa in Kenya’s Focal Person for Turkana County, emphasized the importance of having a roadmap to guide resource allocation and achievements, particularly in the context of recently launched primary care networks.
He urged participants to focus on four critical areas: emergency response, human resource development, infrastructure enhancement, and capacity building for healthcare workers.
