Kakuma – 21st August, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Health Senior Management team, in partnership with USAID Msingi Imara, engaged the Turkana County Assembly Health Committee to advocate for increased budgetary allocations in key health priority areas.

The health team, led by County Health Executive Longole Wangiros, highlighted several priority areas for budgetary increments, including stipends for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), monitoring and evaluation tools, the Public Health Emergency Fund tackling emerging issues such as ongoing measles outbreak, and health commodities.

“The increase in budgetary allocations for these key areas will enhance access to and affordability of health services, particularly given the vulnerability of the population. This would ensure equity in healthcare service provision,” he said.

He also mentioned that the department plans to conduct joint supervisions with the committee to maintain an accurate and up-to-date picture of the health sector.

As a key partner representative at the meeting, USAID Uongozi wa Afya Thabiti Chief of Party, Dr Chris Barasa, pointed out that since health is a fully devolved function, the county assembly should work closely with the department.

The County Health Committee Chair, Bethwel Kobongin, urged the department to continuously engage with the committee, not just during budget cycles, as this would lead to better planning.

“The department should prioritize its activities and programs for better budgetary planning,” he advised.

Some members highlighted the need to strengthen the 11 sub-county hospitals to decongest Lodwar County Referral Hospital and therefore provide improved healthcare services at the sub-county level.

In alignment with UMI’s goals to improve equity, optimize resources, and ensure quality health services, the organization will continue to support the department in its advocacy efforts.

In his closing remarks, the County Health Executive called for accountability in resource management for both the department and its stakeholders.

Others in attendance from the department included Cathra Abdi, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive; Dr Joseph Lolepo, Director of Community Health Services; Nancy Kiyonge, James Lobokan, Director for Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Deputy Director for Partnerships (Health); and Paul Kare, Deputy Director for Health Products and Technologies.