Health services in Trans Nzoia County have received a significant boost following a donation of medical equipment worth Sh.30, 256,754 by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) AMPATH Uzima.
The County Governor George Natembeya led a team of county officials that received the consignment at a colourful event held at Kijana Wamalwa Teaching and Referral Hospital on Tuesday.
Addressing the event, Natembeya expressed the devolved unit’s gratitude, describing the donation as a great boost toward improvement of primary healthcare services as well as attainment of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative in the region.
“This donation has come at an opportune moment when my government is up scaling health services delivery, especially in the prenatal and postnatal units,” remarked Governor Natembeya.
The consignment included Neonatal Incubators, Operating Theatre Lights, Operating Theatre Tables, Autoclave Machines, Blood Refrigerators, Handheld Fetal Doppler Machines, among others as well as Medical Technologies that included assorted Training Models and Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments.
According to Natembeya, the donated equipment will enhance skilled baby deliveries that he disclosed was below the national average of 80 per cent.
“With the equipment received today, the county is on the right trajectory aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of our mothers and newborns and thereby significantly addressing the problem of infant mortality,” added Natembeya.
The Governor encouraged continued partnerships between county governments and USAID AMPATH Uzima, saying the US based organization was playing a critical role in bettering the health and living standards of the majority of people living in developing countries.
He appealed to the county health staff to utilize medical equipment and supplies prudently in order to boost local as well as international donor confidence in the county.
“Let us treasure such important resources by handling them with care while utilizing them to the fullest potential,” remarked Natembeya.
The Governor used the occasion to assure members of the public of the devolved unit’s effort toward completion of the Kijana Wamalwa Teaching and Referral Hospital.
He revealed that his government had set aside Sh.90 million in this year’s budget toward the same.
On his part, Prof. Sylvester Kimaiyo, Chief of Party, AMPATH noted that the donation was made possible through the support of the American people via the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID.
“We are delighted to deliver this donation to Trans Nzoia County in support of its efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes,” said Prof Kimaiyo.
He added, “This equipment and technology will strengthen the quality of care provided to mothers and their babies, and contribute toward achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal Three, which calls for ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.”
By Maurice Aluda
