Lodwar, December 10, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

In a continued effort to strengthen evidence-based healthcare, County Government, in partnership with Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and the University of Washington, held a dissemination forum to showcase research findings from six healthcare providers trained under the Research Training Program.

The two-year initiative, implemented between 2023 and 2025, aimed at enhancing local research capacity to improve HIV prevention, testing, and treatment outcomes across the county.

Leonard Ekuam, a nutritionist and one of the trainees, acknowledged the value of the training in building their research competence.

“We have been equipped with skills and mentorship to confidently conduct research that addresses local health priorities and improves HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment,” he said.

Sentiments echoed by fellow trainee Sarah Eregae, a nurse by profession who noted that the program will have a broader impact on the county’s health system.

“The skills will not only benefit us but also the entire ministry, as we can now mentor our colleagues and strengthen research across the county,” she said.

Presiding over the forum, County Director for Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, James Lobokan, appreciated the partnership and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to continued collaboration.

“As Department of Health, we look forward to sustaining this partnership beyond the graduation of this cohort,” he said, highlighting uncertainties around future funding.

Deputy Director for Policy and Planning Coordination, Dr. Sarah Lokaala was quick to point out the importance of research in driving improvements in health service delivery.

“There is still a lot to be studied and discovered. This program will go a long way in improving our practices, especially in optimizing HIV services,” she explained.

Representing Kenyatta National Hospital, Dr. Ann Kaggiah praised the trainees for their dedication throughout the program.

“The team was always ready, willing, and focused. That is how research should be done,” she said, expressing optimism for continued collaboration.

Sharing updates on HIV indicators, Patrick Rotich from the County HIV Program highlighted positive trends supported by strengthened capacity.

“Turkana’s HIV prevalence stands at 2.19% in 2025, with 16,925 people living with HIV. Mother-to-child transmission has dropped from 16.9% to 9.72% over the past year,” he reported.

He added that the county recorded 469 new HIV infections, with adolescents contributing the highest burden at 254, compared to 36 adults and 79 children.

From the University of Washington, Turkana 1 Project Director, Prof. Carey Farquhar reassured partners of their continued engagement despite global funding challenges.

“We will continue working with the six whether or not funding continues. We are confident they can now represent both the country and the county on global stages,” she said.

In his closing remarks, Director James challenged the Department on establishing county research consortium to sustain the gains made through the program.

“With these six trained healthcare researchers, we are ready to form a research team that will help address gaps, especially in HIV, and guide future work,” he said.

The forum reaffirmed the commitment of all partners to strengthening research capacity as a key driver of improved health outcomes in Turkana County.