Nakuru County government has stepped up efforts to improve HIV management through a partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
The County’s Department of Health today, Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AHF, a global organization known for its role in fighting HIV through advanced medical treatments and strong advocacy for high-quality care.
Ms. Roselyn Mungai, the County Executive Committee Member for Health, said the agreement aims to enhance HIV care in Nakuru by bringing in AHF’s clinical expertise, providing essential medical supplies, and supporting advocacy initiatives.
The CEC reiterated that the collaboration will particularly focus on under-resourced areas, such as clinics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), ensuring they get the necessary attention and resources.
She said the MoU between Nakuru County and AHF marks a significant step in addressing HIV/AIDS in the region. AHF, which operates globally, brings a wealth of experience and resources to the table. The organization has a proven track record of providing advanced medical care and advocating for the highest standards in HIV treatment.
Ms Mungai observed that one of the key aspects of this partnership is the focus on neglected areas within HIV care such as STI clinics, which often lack sufficient resources and attention adding they now will now receive the support they need.
This initiative aims to ensure comprehensive care for all aspects of HIV/AIDS, including prevention, testing, and treatment.
The program will initially focus on Njoro and Rongai sub-counties. These areas, she said have been identified as needing immediate attention and support and will also provide a road map for extending support to other areas.
She clarified that the decision to start in the two sub-counties was based on several factors, including the prevalence of HIV, existing healthcare infrastructure, and community needs, adding that the goal was to make a tangible impact quickly, demonstrating the effectiveness of the partnership and building momentum for further expansion.
Underscoring the importance of collaborating with organizations like AHF, Ms. Mungai said leveraging on external expertise and resources to improve healthcare outcomes for its residents was a step towards better health outcomes for residents.
She said the success of the first phase will be closely monitored, with lessons learned being applied to subsequent expansions. The process aims to continuously improve the program, addressing any challenges and building on successes.
The County Executive emphasized that access to high-quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, and this partnership is a step towards ensuring that all residents of Nakuru County receive the care they need.
Cooperation with AHF brings additional resources and expertise, strengthening the county’s healthcare system and enhancing its capacity to respond to HIV/AIDS using the latest research findings.
By Veronica Bosibori and Daisy Moraa
