In Kajiado County, the role and urgent need to empower Community Health Promoters (CHP) dominated the Jamhuri Day celebrations marked at Kimana, Loitoktok.
According to the County Ministry of Health, the CHPs are very crucial in helping the country attain access to universal healthcare, especially among the vulnerable population residing in far-flung rural areas of the vast region.
Statistics of the ministry point out a gap in access to health care with the illiterate and elderly population the most affected due to a lack of education on the importance of seeking medical care early as opposed to relying on traditional self-administered herbal concoctions.
In the celebrations led by Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and County Commissioner Jude Wesonga, the leaders present rallied the natives in the county to embrace and heed the guidance of the promoters.
The Governor deployed 2,100 health promoters to push the UHC agenda and said they will target to increase the beneficiaries to 50,000 down from the current 25,000 current beneficiaries.
Ole Lenku reassured residents that the promoters are known to the government and trained sufficiently to assist in basic medical diagnosis.
“Livable towns, modulated pastoralism and climate-proofed environment are among the key thematic areas we are focused on. We appreciate the fact that we cannot achieve any of these agendas without good health. We appreciate community health promoters’ role in helping attain universal healthcare vision 2030,” Lenku said.
Lenku appealed to all elected leaders to embrace the spirit of our forefathers who fought for the country’s independence by working together and promoting peace and cohesion among all Kenyans.
“As leaders, we should be at the forefront to foster for a united Kenya. Our country well well-being and unity should always overshadow individual interest,” Lenku said.
County executive committee member in charge of Health Alex Kilowua says the county is keeping tabs with the health volunteers to ensure they use the information and statistics to influence health decisions and respond to dire medical cases that need emergency response.
The health promoters initiative launched by President William Ruto is mandated to carry out basic medical tests including blood pressure, and sugar levels among others. Advising the population on available family planning methods and the need to embrace the same is ranged AS crucial.
The colourful celebrations, which saw all leaders dress in Maa regalia, was characterized by song and dance.
