Lodwar – 12th June, 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government of Turkana has entered into a strategic partnership with Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Kenya, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the County Headquarters.
The three-year MoU with AHF aims to increase access to HIV testing, prevention, and early access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) for the residents of Turkana.
Signing on behalf of the County Government, County Secretary Peter Eripete said, “I assure AHF management that the County Government will advocate for strong collaborations among the national and county governments, AHF, donors, and development partners to ensure a synergistic approach without duplication of effort and high transaction costs.”
He added that the County Government, together with AHF, would oversee and monitor prevention, care, treatment, and advocacy activities.
The County Secretary suggested that for smooth project implementation and quality healthcare, the County and AHF teams should jointly conduct quality assurance activities at all AHF-supported sites. These activities will include patient file audits, commodities management, and annual asset verification.
On his part, AHF Kenya Country Program Director Dr Samwel Kinyanjui, who represented the organization at the signing event, highlighted AHF’s priorities: “AHF will promote care and access to HIV/AIDS treatment services by supporting the provision of free comprehensive and integrated HIV/AIDS care and treatment, including ART, tuberculosis screening, sexually transmitted infections management, opportunistic infections management, and family planning.”
Calling attention to the need for client retention in health facilities, Dr Kinyanjui said the Foundation would collaborate with the Health Department and other stakeholders to ensure regular monitoring and evaluation. This effort aims to improve performance and maintain high-quality services.
Those present at the signing event included Joseph Nyang’a (Deputy County Secretary), Dr Gilchrist Lokoel (Chief Officer of medical Services), and Cathra Abdi (Chief Officer, Preventive and Promotive Services).
Honest Kinyua (Operations Manager) and Dr. Oliver Mito (Regional Medical Manager), both working for AHF-Kenya, accompanied the Country Director.
