USAID donates Sh59 million medical equipment to Bungoma

Bungoma county has received medical equipment and other non-medical supplies worth Sh59 million from Usaid's Dumisha Afya initiative.

The donation is aimed at enhancing healthcare services in facilities across the county.

Health and Sanitation Services Executive Carolyne Makali said the equipment will ease the workload for health professionals and improve service delivery.

"These resources will significantly enhance the quality of care we provide to our clients," she said.

The supplies will boost digitising and connectivity of healthcare facilities.

The donation included 726 Samsung Galaxy tablets, HP ProBooks, desktop computers, adult and paediatric weighing scales, office furniture, solar panel and other medical and non-pharmaceutical supplies.

Makali, who received the donation at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, said the supplies will be distributed to all health facilities.

Dumisha Afya is a Kenya Health Partnership for Quality programme that supports the government's efforts towards addressing HIV/AIDS.

The initiative seeks to safeguard the rights and welfare of children and adolescents impacted by HIV/AIDS by ensuring equitable access to and use of quality primary health care services by the most vulnerable.

The programme started in April 1, 2022, and is managed by the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Health and Sanitation Services Chief Officer Dr Magrina Mayama, Liaison and Partnership Officer Simon Mukoko and the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Simon Kisaka were present at the occasion.

Mayama thanked Dumisha Afya for the donation, saying it would reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search of specialised care.

The partnership has bolstered the county’s human resource by supporting employment of over 200 healthcare workers.

Dumisha's efforts in capacity building for health workers, particularly in governance were commendable, the chief officer said, especially in equipping healthcare workers and enhancing their service delivery. 

Dr Everline Ashiono, Dumisha's Chief of Party,  reiterated their commitment to strengthening Bungoma’s healthcare system.

"We are pleased to partner with Bungoma county to ensure our clients receive quality healthcare through this donation," she said.

Through the partnership with Dumisha, the county has in the past benefitted from solar equipment, donated to the Department of Health.

The equipment was shared amongst 15 health facilities across seven subcounties.