The Academic Model Providing Access to Health care (AMPATH) is set to carry out mass community diseases screening in Trans Nzoia County starting next week.
The organization will be screening four diseases among them hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer. The initiative aims at detecting the diseases early for prompt management.
The Organizations Coordinator in Trans Nzoia, Obed Limo said that late diagnosis of the disease led to complications and increased the cost of medication.
Limo said that the programme which is supported by the World Bank in conjunction with Ministry of health, county government of Trans Nzoia and Moi Teaching and Referral hospital will use trained community health workers to carry out the screening exercise.
Limo was speaking at Kitale Museum on Friday when the Trans Nzoia County Commissioner (CC), Samson Ojwang launched the programme.
He said that the screening was informed by a survey that was conducted last year on risks of chronic diseases in the region and which listed tobacco and alcohol as the main risk factors of diabetes and hypertension.
According to Limo the survey also revealed that there is low uptake of health insurance among county residents.
He said that at least 1.8 per cent of residents above 18 years were diabetic with Kiminini Sub County leading in high cases of both diabetes and hypertension.
The CC called on residents to enroll with NHIF, adding that residents spent a lot of money on medical bills. He said for universal healthcare to be achieved, residents must register with NHIF.
“We need a paradigm shift in our lifestyle. People must be encouraged to exercise and also eat healthy,” he advised.
The forum brought together leaders who included chiefs and their assistants who will be involved in mobilizing residents for screening.
By Pauline Ikanda
