Lodwar- June 19, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations) 

The Department for Health and Sanitation is in consultative talks with Diocese of Lodwar and Malteser International to extend support in conducting a need assessment for emergency medical services towards reducing mortalities and enhancing referral systems. 

In a courtesy call to the Deputy Director Nursing Services Alice Akalapatan, the call was to introduce Manuel Lackmaier, the new Country Director of Malteser International to the department.  

The team deliberated on the need to align ongoing and planned health interventions with the County Government’s priorities and potential areas of collaboration. 

 Director Akalapatan emphasized the need to boost support for dispatch centers at all health facilities improving emergency service delivery critical to saving lives. 

“The dispatch centers are geared at saving lives, preventing excessive bleeding, and facilitating referrals from one facility to another,” she said. 

Diocese of Lodwar Health Coordinator Sr Doris Mulongo said that Malteser International has supported health interventions in Turkana West through capacity building of healthcare workers, nutrition and integrated outreaches. 

“Through your support, we received an ambulance that has been very critical in emergency response in Kakuma and supports both the County Government and the Diocese efforts reducing referral challenges further,” she added. 

Lackmaier appreciated the reception and pledged continued support to the county government and other partners towards improving health outcomes in Turkana West. 

Joy Naliaka China, the Country Health Programme Manager was also present.

The Health Department team present included Saada Loyokon (Director of Nutrition and Dietetics), Sarah Esinyen (Deputy Director Policy Planning, Partnership Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation), Dr Bonventure Ameyo (Deputy Director Medical Services) and Suguta Sub-County Focal Person Shadrack Maraka.