Governors have committed to ensuring success of the community health promoters programme by allocating adequate resources.
Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru said most of the counties have allocated more than 30 per cent of their total budgets to the health sector, despite having 14 devolved functions.
Waiguru said CPHs work will reduce the burden on healthcare system by preventing diseases, promoting healthier lifestyles and providing vital health support to those in need.
She was speaking during the flagging off of the promoters by President William Ruto in Uhuru Park on Monday.
Waiguru said county governments are fully committed to supporting the CHP programme by allocating resources that will match national government allocation.
She said part of the budgets allocated to the health sector by counties are already supporting primary healthcare services.
“The community health promoters programme will be a driving force behind healthier communities, and their work will undoubtedly reduce the burden on our healthcare system by preventing diseases, promoting healthier lifestyles and providing vital health support to those in need,” Waiguru said.
The Kirinyaga governor said strengthening of primary health care is at the heart of the universal health coverage and there is need for adequate support from all stakeholders.
She further called on local and international development partners to prioritise support for the community health programme as a key contributor to UHC.
Waiguru said counties require both technical and financial support in actualising the UHC.
The promoters are set to receive a monthly stipend in a cost-sharing arrangement that will see the national and county government fund the programme.
The Kirinyaga governor said her administration has factored in the health volunteers’ remuneration in this financial year’s budget.
The CHPs will be equipped with standardised medical kits holding tools that can undertake basic tests such as for blood pressure, sugar levels and temperature.
