Kisii Governor, Simba Arati, has flagged-off 2,841 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), as part of the county’s efforts, to avail health services closer to households.
Arati also distributed kits with assorted items, including mobile phone, among other items, that will improve the scope and quality of services offered by CHPs.
Speaking during the event at Gusii Stadium in Kisii town, the Governor added the issuance of the kits, will go a long way in improving services in the area of promotive rehabilitative and preventive health services through the CHPs, who are the first line of defense in health care.
Arati noted that studies have shown, for every one shilling invested in the community, Kenya, reaps the equivalent of Sh 9 in economic and societal benefits, meaning that engaging the Community Health Promoters, is one sustainable way, in achieving Universal Health Coverage with minimum cost.
“Community Health Promoters (CHPs) offer advocacy, promotive services, basic curative and rehabilitative services, and support all programs at the community level during immunization outreaches, net distribution, identification of indigents, disease surveillance, and follow-up of patients, among other services,” he said.
The County Boss affirmed that Kisii’s community coverage stands at 100 percent and all regions have a community unit with 2,940 CHPs supporting 294 community units.
Arati noted the Community Health Promoters had been trained in all service delivery modules and the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS).
He lauded the National Government for procuring the kits and mobile phones, saying the tools will facilitate the digital community health information system and enhance the capacity of the Community Health Workers, to effectively collect, collate, and report community health data in real-time.
“We have also established two primary healthcare networks in two sub-counties and are in the process of establishing the other remaining seven primary healthcare networks, to beef-up Community Health services,” he said.
Last year, President William Ruto said the National and County governments, had agreed to jointly support Community Health Promoters in recognition of the critical role they play in advancing Universal Health Coverage.
The President said the National Government had agreed with the County Governments on the need to standardize the remuneration of Community Health Promoters, where they will be co-sponsored by the two levels of government, even as health remains a devolved function.
By Illah Moraa and Mercy Osongo
