Community health promoters have helped Siaya County reduce disease burden from 33 percent to 19 percent, area governor, James Orengo has said.
Orengo said that the CHPs have further helped the county record increased immunization coverage from 67 to 99percent, adding that the health promoters are crucial in helping the government reduce the health burden.
He spoke at his Masiro village home in Ugenya Sub County during the distribution of kits to the 2,128 CHPs from Siaya.
The event was presided over by Mama Ida Odinga, spouse of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
The governor said that through the CHP efforts, skilled birth deliveries have risen from 56 percent to 96 percent hence reducing maternal and child deaths in the county.
While appreciating the role of the CHPs, Orengo said that his government was committed to improving the health sector, adding that plans were underway to put up an ultra-modern medical complex in Siaya town.
“We already have set aside some funds in our budget,” said the governor adding that plans were underway to ensure that each of the sub-counties has an equipped level four hospital.
The wife of the former Prime Minister Ida Odinga who was the guest of honor at the event hailed the decision to recognize and facilitate the CHPs, adding that it was timely.
She said that CHPs are closer to the people and have over the years helped the community in several health matters.
Mrs. Odinga said most of the mothers and their children in the rural areas were alive today courtesy of the CHPs who have always been there for them in their times of need.
Ugenya deputy county commissioner, Beatrice Bikeyo, on behalf of the national government, said the government and the community had high expectations of the CHPs and urged them to re-dedicate their efforts towards serving the community.
Siaya County was among the first counties to incorporate CHPs in its health care plan and pay them monthly stipends.
The event was also graced by the speaker of the Siaya county assembly, George Okode, a host of Members of the County Assembly, and the spouse of the Siaya governor, Betty Orengo among others.
By Philip Onyango
