The Lake Region Digital Health Conference has spotlighted the transformative power of technology in healthcare, urging counties to step up their roles in sustaining digital health systems.
As leaders, experts and stakeholders gathered in Kisumu, a clear message emerged that digital health is not just an option but a necessity for improving healthcare access and efficiency.
Over the course of the two-day event at Ciala Resort, participants emphasized the need to integrate digitally skilled staffs into county health departments to support and accelerate the digital health agenda.
Delegates also called on counties to take a more active role in maintaining and repairing digital health tools provided by the National Government at the same time ensuring the smooth implementation of these initiatives.
Joan Oracha, Chief of Party at Living Goods, highlighted the importance of sustainable funding for digital health, urging counties to allocate sufficient budgets to maintain digital health programs.
"Counties must allocate sufficient budgets to sustain digital health initiatives", she noted during the conference themed Harnessing Technology for Inclusive UHC.
The event also focused on the remuneration and support of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who play a critical role in delivering digital health services.
In a panel discussion led by Prof. Kharma Rogo, a global adviser from Pharm Acess, the need for fair compensation for CHPs was a major topic.
Participants noted that current payments of Sh 2500 are insufficient, proposing a more dignified wage of around Sh 13,000 to motivate and tetaik CHPs in their roles.
Absentism among CHPs was also identified as a significant change, with Living Goods advocating for the integration of performance management tools into the digital platforms used by CHPs.
Training was also deemed essential, with a recommendation that digital devices for the CHPs include embedded training modules to ensure effective use of the tools provided.
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o, who officially opened the conference praised Living Goods for its work in digitalizing community health in Kisumu.
Nyong’o noted that the county can now conduct household visits and identify individuals needing referrals more efficiently.
During the event, delegates also underscored that tailoring digital health innovations locally could provide sustainable employment opportunities for the young people while also addressing specific healthcare challenges unique to the Lake Region.
The conference was attended by prominent figures, including Jorid Van Bommel, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Yvette Van Eechoud, Vice Minister for International Economic Affairs of the Netherlands.