February 2, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Senior Health Management team conducted a two-day review meeting of the County Health Sector Strategic Plan 2022-2032 as they sensitize the County Assembly Health Committee.
The county government health team in partnership with USAID NAWIRI and USAID Imarisha Jamii, aimed to provide strategic guidance for the implementation of service delivery and administrative interventions.
Speaking during the meeting, the County Executive Committee for Health and Sanitation, Dr Francis Mariao, said that the strategic plan had prioritised issues on sanitation and hygiene, access to health facilities, partner collaboration, and emergency referrals among others.
“There is a need to improve access to health facilities, especially for marginalized communities, as well as balance and strengthen proper coordination with partners,” he said.
Dr Francis Mariao appreciated the participants for their input in developing the second edition of County Health Sector Strategic Plan, noting that it will significantly enhance the document.
“Healthcare exists because of the patients, and there is a need to upgrade dispensaries to health facilities and sub-county hospitals to offer our patients a better quality of care,” said Dr Gilchrist Lokoel, County Chief Officer for Medical Services.
The Health Committee Chairperson and Member of County Assembly for Songot Ward, Bethwel Kobongin urged the Health Committee members to be ambassadors by advocating and convincing other departments like finance and economic planning among others to support the Ministry of Health.
“Health is a sensitive sector, and there is a need to lobby for funds at the ward level to support health facilities in case of an inadequate health budget,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Kobong’in encouraged the county health team to lobby for funds that would expand and upgrade qualified health facilities.
Other partners present were the International Rescue Committee, World Vision Kenya, and UNICEF Kenya.
