Wajir County has received a significant boost in healthcare services following the arrival of the first shipment of medical equipment and supplies donated by Helping Hands for Relief and Development (HHRD), a US-based organisation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Yunis Yussuf from HHRD Africa stated that the donation would greatly enhance the county’s efforts in delivering improved healthcare services to residents.
He also revealed that an additional shipment of five containers was expected soon as part of the county’s healthcare support request.
The County’s Chief Officer for Health, Mohamed Abdullahi, expressed his gratitude to the donors, highlighting that the equipment, which includes modern delivery couches, ICU beds, incubators, oxygen concentrators, and suction pumps, would significantly enhance healthcare services in the county.
“We are grateful to our donors for these essential medical supplies that will help equip our upcoming accident and emergency facility, which will be operational soon,” Abdullahi said.
“This support is crucial in ensuring we provide the highest achievable healthcare standards to our citizens,” he added.
Abdullahi noted that Wajir faces a high burden of maternal mortality but reassured the public that all the donated equipment would come in handy towards easing the burden.
He also assured that the donated equipment has been inspected by the county’s medical engineer and confirmed to be of top quality and fully functional.
A Psychiatrist Consultant at Wajir County Referral Hospital, Dr. Mohamed Aden Hilow, stated that the equipment would support the establishment of a much-needed accident and emergency unit.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi welcomed the donation, saying it marked a significant milestone in improving healthcare services for the county’s residents.
“The establishment of this unit will reduce referrals and lessen the financial burden on our people, who previously had to travel long distances for critical medical services,” the governor said.
“I sincerely appreciate our partners for their invaluable support in making this initiative possible. We remain committed to ensuring the efficient operation of this modern facility to improve healthcare access,” he added.
Governor Abdullahi at the same time acknowledged the challenges Wajir’s healthcare system faced before devolution and expressed optimism about the progress achieved.
“While challenges remain, I am proud of the strides we have made in improving health standards. Today, I can confidently say that our healthcare system is on the right track,” he concluded.
By Hamdi Buthul
