Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif on Friday commended President William Ruto for supporting counties in the employment and kitting of Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
This, he said, will improve primary healthcare provisions in the country.
Speaking in Takaba during the Mashujaa day celebrations, Khalif who launched the (CHPs) said the passing of the Primary Health Care and Facility Improvement Fund Bills 2023 by the national assembly and the senate this month will enable our country to achieve the UHC dream.
“On our part, we have submitted the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) and Community Health Services Bills (CHS) to the county assembly, and I request the assembly leadership to fast-track the enactment of these bills to help us implement the Task Force Report,” said the Governor.
He added: “We have registered 205 community health units and recruited 2120 CHPs which are awaiting training. We have also received 1268 kits from the national government and the remaining will be purchased by the health department in the soonest time possible,”.
He said that the journey towards UHC is far from complete saying that it is an ongoing endeavor that requires collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders, including the government, healthcare professionals, communities, and development partners.
He said that since his administration took office in August last year, the health department has made substantial progress in improving primary healthcare services.
This includes the operationalization of three new facilities in Elkala, Ababosone, and Harshilmi, as well as the reopening of three previously closed facilities in Fino, Odha, and Harerhosle.
“Furthermore, we have implemented solarization of 15 primary health facilities and equipped 12 facilities with diagnostic equipment and supplies," Khalif said.
"Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our staff, the department's TB programme has become the best-performing programme in the country in 2020 and 2023.”
The Governor further explained: “UHC signifies that every individual, irrespective of their background or economic status, should have timely access to healthcare services when needed. It means that no one should ever have to make a distressing choice between their health and financial well-being.”
He issued a stern warning to individuals obstructing government projects and warned against vandalizing government structures, pledging strict action against those caught.
Several leaders among them County Commissioner Amos Mariba and Senator Ali Roba urged communities in the area to peacefully co-exist saying that without peace no development can be realized.
“I plead with all our communities to maintain peaceful coexistence and resolve any disputes that may arise through established structures such as peace committees,” said Roba.
Mariba echoed the call for unity, urging residents to collaborate in maintaining peace across all sub-counties.
He further appealed to locals to cooperate with security agencies, emphasizing the need to share information about individuals hindering development in Mandera County.