Ogilgei Health Centre based in Rongai Sub-County has been making significant strides in improving community health, as evidenced by today’s visit from Michael Nyale, a technical officer from Danida.
Nyale was on-site to offer technical assistance and assess the progress of the facility’s Community Health Unit (CHU).
The health centre has experienced a 25% increase in antenatal care (ANC) visits, rising from 320 in the previous year to 400. This increase could be attributed to improved services and increased community trust in the facility.
Additionally, family planning uptake has grown by 15%, and deliveries at the health center have increased by 20%.
Nyale said this is a positive trend, as it indicates that more women are choosing to deliver at the facility, where they can receive quality care.
The officer in charge at the centre Edward Maina said referrals to the facility have also surged by 30%, thanks to regular dialogue days that encourage community interaction with healthcare providers.
These dialogue days have helped to build trust and understanding between the community and the health center staff.
“The Community Health Committee (CHC), after receiving training, has successfully taken on their roles, conducting Dialogue Action Days and organizing quarterly meetings. The Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have also been active, using their savings to purchase 20 chairs for the facility and planting fruit trees to support community nutrition,” says Maina.
Nyale said the increased uptake of family planning allowed women to have more control over their reproductive health, which can lead to a number of benefits, including, improved maternal health, when women can plan their pregnancies, they are likely to have healthier babies and deliveries.
He said family planning could also help to prevent unwanted pregnancies, which could lead to higher rates of infant mortality.
Additionally, he said when families are able to manage the number of their children, they are more likely to be able to provide them with the care and attention they need to thrive.
And it empowers women to make their own choices about their bodies, hence by providing access to family planning services, the Ogilgei Health Centre is helping to improve the health and well-being of women in the community.
By Veronica Bosibori
