Lodwar- October 3, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government, in partnership with Amref Health Africa, has rolled out the final phase of Imarisha Jamii project dubbed ‘Bridge plan’ to enhance the prevention of HIV/AIDS and improve reproductive health services in the region.
The six-month project, which runs from October 2025 to March 2026, is funded by the U.S. Department of State and will be implemented under the ImarishaJamii project. The ‘Bridge Plan’ will focus support on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and boost reproductive health services across the county.
This initiative follows a recent meeting held on October 1, 2025, during which Imarisha Jamii announced the cessation of support towards Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), Key Population, and Family Planning whose funding ended in September 2025. The new project plan aims to sustain the gains achieved over the years, and place MoH in the forefront of planning and implementation.
An inaugural meeting announcing the project brought together senior healthcare workers from all 11 sub-counties, the County Health Management Team, supporting partners including Diocese of Lodwar, RCEA, AIC Health Ministries, and TUPADO.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ekiru Kidalio, Director of Medical Services, said, “Today is a culmination of what we are going to do moving forward with Imarisha Jamii and co-create the activities whose funding has been restored under the new project”
Dr Kidalio explained that, despite donor withdrawal from VMMC, the County Government will integrate VMMC services into mainstream healthcare with funding support from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Dr Jacob Khaoya, Deputy Chief of Party at Amref Health Africa – Turkana, added, “For HIV care, the project will support testing of HIV services for both children and adults, offer treatment for clients living with HIV, prevent HIV transmission from mother to child, and manage TB disease among people Living with HIV’’.
‘’All Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) living with HIV will be offered appropriate treatment under this project. Similarly, survivors of Gender Based Violence will access medical services such as counseling, HIV test and drugs for post exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV transmission’’ He added.
Dr Kidalio emphasized that, while donor support for VMMC has ended, “The new project will still support selected health activities including sample referrals, training of manpower, and provision of some medical commodities,”
On his part, Dr Khaoya assured that the project would continue to support vital services such as antenatal health care, safe deliveries, child immunization, emergency health interventions, response to disease outbreaks such as measles, and digitization of health services through Taifa Care.
He also reaffirmed Amref’s support in SHA registrations to ensure that residents benefit from the broader SHA scheme.
Both officials highlighted a new implementation model adopted by the State Department, which puts the County Government at the center of decision-making.
Dr Kidalio noted, “In this new model, unlike before, the County Government has a say in what activities are implemented across the county. That is why all 11 sub-counties are present—to voice the prevailing situations on the ground and guide partners on where support is needed.”
He added that due to Turkana’s vast geographical spread, the needs of sub-counties such as Turkana Central, Turkana East, and Kibish vary significantly—hence the importance of inclusive planning and implementation.
