Lodwar – 26th March 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Department of Health and Sanitation, through the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies, has renewed efforts to enhance commodity security in order to reduce stock-outs that disrupt service delivery.
A training session, supported by Save the Children International, targeted facility in-charges, pharmaceutical Technologists, laboratory officers, nutrition nechnologists and nurses from Loima, Lokirima, Turkana Central, and Kibish. These facilities are currently participating in a pilot research project aimed at strengthening community-level treatment of common illnesses and improving nutrition services for children under five.
Each financial year, the county allocates on average Sh300 million for health products and technologies. However, as demand for healthcare services increases and more facilities become operational, the efficient use of these resources is vital.
“To achieve a sustainable supply chain system strengthening in the county, it is critical that each level of healthcare service delivery identifies its role and ensures its effective implementation for positive synergy,” said Paul Kare, Deputy Director for Health Products and Technologies.
He added that it would ensure accountability and prudent utilization for Health products and Technologies at all levels of care.
The training provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences in inventory management, order placement, prescription, short expiries management, rational use and pharmacovigilance.
“Adhering to drug dispensing guidelines ensures that medications improve patients’ quality of life,” said Javan Ida, a facilitator and Turkana Central Sub-County Pharmacist.
During her session, Junet Elaar, the County BioMed Coordinator and facilitator, trained participants on proper procedures for receiving deliveries and emphasized the importance of effective commodity management. She noted that improved management would help reduce stock-outs, prevent overstocking, and minimize service disruptions.
Denis Sinei, a facilitator and Lodwar County Referral Hospital Pharmacist, highlighted the importance of the “First Expiry, First Out” (FEFO) approach in stock management to ensure proper stock rotation and prevent wastage due to expired products.
The 18-month pilot project, funded by UNICEF Kenya, is titled Implementation of an Operational Research Pilot on Integrating Treatment of Acute Malnutrition and Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) in ASAL Counties of Kenya. It aims to assess the capacity of trained community health providers in effectively implementing iCCM-Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) protocols.
