Lodwar – 2nd April, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Department of Health and Sanitation held evidence-driven advocacy through Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) to monitor service delivery and enhance sustainability of HIV treatment services to the Key Populations (KPs).

The CLM data, collected in conjunction Ishtar, will seek to source funds to gather and monitor another round of survey, where there was disruption of services. This will be critical for resource mobilisation that will ensure sustainability of key populations programs.

Speaking at the meeting Director Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, James Lobokan said that the county will prioritise strengthening sustainability through increased budget funding, as it leads towards improving quality service to KPs.

“The collected data will mitigate financial barriers that prevent people from marginalized communities from accessing essential health services,” he said.

He also added that, the collected data is used to identify opportunities for improvement and review evidence with service providers, program managers, policymakers, to jointly develop and implement solutions to identified gaps.

Deputy Director for Partnership and Administration Nancy Kinyonge outlined that CLM increases awareness about the value of empowering and educating clients. This treatment literacy program will sustain people on HIV treatment and retaining them in care.

CLM has existed in different forms. This phase emphasizes improving the health of people from communities most affected by HIV such as Commercial Sex Workers and People Living with HIV/AIDS.

Executive Director ISHTAR Peter Njane mentioned that they will coordinate with the county to assess, document disruptions of services and develop strategies that will advocate agendas to improve on the challenges affecting service access for KP’s.

Present were County Health Management Team, Amref Peer Educators, Lodwar County Referral Hospital Peer Educators and ISTHAR Team.