Turkana County and Diocese of Lodwar have signed an agreement to partner in running of health centres.
Through the agreement, the County Government has committed to provide Sh45million to support the running of mission health centres under the management of the Diocese.
The County Secretary Peter Eripete who signed the MOU on behalf of the County Government said the agreement was a decision of the County Government to support health centres established by the Diocese which were benefiting residents of Turkana.
He said the money will be spent in payment of staff salaries and fund outreach programmes by the Diocese.
Eripete hailed the support and collaboration with the Diocese in different sectors including education, water and social protection initiatives complementing Government investment.
The County Secretary said that the Diocese’s long history of humanitarian work in Turkana preceded devolution and it was wise to support the health and experienced staff already employed, rather than build new facilities in the same areas which would cost more.
The County Government is also supplying the church-run health facilities with medical drugs.
The County Executive for Health Jane Ajele urged the Diocese to continue offering free health services to children under 5years, HIV&AIDs and TB patients in line with directives from the Ministry of Health. She also called for prudent management of the funds and better accountability.
CARITAS Coordinator Agnes Mana expressed the organization’s appreciation for the County Government’s support since 2013 insisting that the partnership was contributing to health indicators in Turkana.
She assured the County Secretary of the organization’s commitment to transparency through regular reporting.
Present in the signing was the Chief Officer for Health Augustine Lokwang’, Chancellor Tony Woods, DoL Medical Coordinator Sr. Winnie Asimwe and Deputy Medical Coordinator Sr. Doris Mulongo.
By Peter Gitonga
