Uasin Gishu County Government has received 542 community health promoter kits, which will be used to realise the implementation of effective healthcare practices within the county.
The kits were recently flagged off by President William Ruto and consist of various essential items that will aid community health promoters in their duties.
The toolkit includes a first aid kit, which is crucial in providing immediate medical assistance during emergencies; weighing scales for both adults and children that will enable health promoters to monitor the weight of individuals within their communities; an indicator of overall health; a glucometer to check blood glucose levels for individuals; and a blood pressure machine that will help in monitoring and managing hypertension.
While receiving the equipment at the county headquarters, Health Services County Executive Committee Member, CECM Dr. Sam Kotut, said that the vital items in the kits will ensure that the health promoters are equipped to handle any unforeseen situations that may arise within their communities.
“The glucometer, for example, will enable health promoters to screen for diabetes and provide guidance on managing the condition, and the other kits will ensure early diagnosis of lifestyle diseases that have become a concern,” says Dr. Kotut.
Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health, Dr. Joyce Sang, noted that to ensure the safety and hygiene of the community health promoters, the kits also include essential items such as Elastoplast for wound care and a disposal container for sharp items, which will prevent the spread of infections within the community.
On his part, Chief Officer for Clinical Services Dr. Paul Wangwe said that for accountability and transparency, the kits feature a tablet dispensing box or pillbox, which will assist the health promoters in organising and dispensing medication effectively.
“The inclusion of national and county flags in the kits reflects the importance of primary health care services and community health promotion within the larger context of national and county healthcare initiatives,” observed the CECM.
By Kiptanui Cherono
