The County Government of Busia through the Department of Health and Sanitation has received a vehicle donated by the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) towards improvement of health.
The vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser) was handed over to Busia Governor, Sospeter Ojaamong by PATH Senior Technical Advisor, Dr Nick Odiyo, at the County Headquarters.
Ojaamong who was accompanied by his Deputy Moses Mulomi, Chief Officers Dr Isaac Omeri (Medical Services) and Jonathan Ino (Public Health), said it is a boost to the County’s health sector in terms of movement of staff and materials.
“Our staff find it very difficult moving from one place to the other. This vehicle will go a long way in assisting the Department in various fields to render services to the people in health facilities,” he said.
The Governor appreciated PATH’s support to the health sector, disclosing that most counties are experiencing numerous challenges particularly on the issue of costing which many people do not understand.
“The drugs are a very big challenge to counties bearing in mind that we were conditioned to purchase from KEMSA by law. If we could assist in starting the community pharmacists, the locals will be able to access the medicines if they don’t get in the government pharmacy,” added the County Chief.
He further stressed the need to bring together development partners supporting the health sector to understand how best to coordinate the activities for the interest of the locals.
Mulomi who is the Acting Health Executive noted the impact of PATH’s support on the ground is very positive. “We extend our thanks to PATH and look forward to continuing with the engagement to ensure locals benefit from programs to be implemented,” he said.
Odiyo said they are pleased to work closely with the County Government of Busia, which has been keen on ensuring proper utilization of resources received.
He said that through the new program USAID Dumisha Afya, they will work with AMPATH in HIV prevention in key populations among them truck drivers and sex workers.
By Absalom Namwalo
