The World Bicycle Relief organisation through the Kenya Red Cross has donated 100 bicycles for use by Community Health volunteers (CHVs) for sensitizing Suba North Sub County residents against the Covid-19.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and Homa Bay County Commissioner Yatich Kipkemei launched the distribution of the bikes as well as hand sanitizers at Ogongo Health Center in Lambwe ward Friday.
Odhiambo noted that the lake makes it easier for fishermen and other local residents to interact with the citizens from the neighbouring countries of Ugandan and Tanzanian, thus prone to contracting the virus.
“Possibility of interaction between Suba North residents and citizens of our neighbouring countries puts their lives at risk of contracting covid-19,” she said.
The MP said they expect the CHVs to use the bicycles in promoting health education to combat the deadly disease. The bicycles will also facilitate the volunteers to sensitize residents on how to prevent the virus.
“It is easier to prevent covid-19 than treating it. Let us focus more on prevention,” added the MP.
County Executive Member for Health Prof Richard Muga said Homa Bay government is committed to empowering CHVs in fighting coronavirus. He urged residents to prioritize prevention of the disease.
“The government has provided CHVs with mobile phones and thermometer guns to help in the fight against covid- 19. They will screen residents and recommend
if one should undergo further tests,” Muga said.
The CEC said CHVs play an integral part in health system and can help in prevention of diseases in the county, adding that health workers at the grass-roots interact with residents on daily basis, hence the need to support them.
Kipkemei warned residents against theft and misuse of the bicycles. He urged local chiefs to take care of the bicycles to ensure they are only used for the intended purpose.
“Let all chiefs ensure that the bicycles are safe,” said the county commissioner, while urging residents to continue wearing face masks to enhance prevention of covid-19.
“Everybody must put on face mask correctly to enable us fight this virus effectively,” he reiterated.
By Davis Langat
