Busia Governor, Dr. Paul Otuoma, received supplies worth Sh 2 million from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday to mitigate the cholera outbreak in the wake of anticipated El Nino rains.
The governor, who flagged off the truckload that consisted of masks, intravenous fluids, and drugs outside his office in Busia town, while commending WHO for considering the devolved unit synonymous with floods, particularly in Budalangi in Bunyala Sub-county, Amoni and Akiriamasit in Teso North, and Akiriamasit in Teso South Sub-counties.
“This gesture will greatly boost our preparedness measures under the Bilateral Disaster Committee that I chair with the County Commissioner. I urge our health officers and other stakeholders to be alert and ready to handle any eventuality,” said the governor.
Dr. Otuoma reiterated that he is aware of the challenges facing the health sector, and his administration is working round the clock to ensure solutions are found.
“My administration is keen on both primary and secondary healthcare provision. This has prompted us to embark on the transformative task of facilitating Community Health Promoters, to provide a defined package of preventive and promotive health services to reduce the burden on referral hospitals,” he said.
The governor encouraged residents to register with the Nation Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to reduce the cost of seeking medical services.
WHO Representative, Mr. Ben Adaki, said the organisation will be delivering a second consignment soon that will include supplies such as chlorine tablets for the treatment of water for domestic use.
“We are aware that heavy rainfall will contaminate water sources, thus the need to treat the commodity before consumption. The second batch of supplies will also include hospital beds for inpatients,” he added.
By Victoria Magar
