Mental Health Gaps in Kisumu
County Public Health Director, Mr. Fred Oluoch in the company of MCA Hon Steve Awiti during a media brief on Mental health gaps meeting at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu ( photo: Emily Mikwa)
The county has glaring mental health limitations as revealed by the findings of a study on the status of mental health policy, rights, financing and service delivery in Kisumu 2019.
Some of the gaps highlighted included: lack of mental health policy framework, under staffing of mental health practitioners, inadequate financing of mental health services and infrastructure such as beds, a case in example where KCRH only has 30 beds, among others.
This was brought to the attention of the participants during a stakeholders mental health meeting convened by TINADA youth organisation at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel.
The aim of the meeting was to disseminate the research findings and to introduce Imarisha Mental Integrated Initiative project to the stakeholders in Kisumu.
Being cognizant to the facts of the study, the chairperson of budget committee at the County Assembly Hon. Steve Awiti stated that as members of the assembly, they are committed to enact the mental policy framework once the proposal is presented to the Assembly and that in the current financial year they appropriated 1.5million for the same and would not hesitate revising it upward come FY 2021/22 budget. Sentiments echoed by his counter part Hon. Seth Owuor chairing the health committee.
While addressing the media, Public Health Director Mr Fred Oluoch, noted the existence of such gaps and stated that currently the county has brought in additional two psychiatrists from Maseno university to improve the services.
He reiterated that the health public unit is focused on reviewing the policy to capture mental health services and to ensure the formation and operationalize the secretariat and the technical working group.
on infrastructure he promised to have improvements for better service delivery. He however requested for another research on the same post Covid 19 that will give an informed data before implementation of the current findings
In an effort to improve the mental health services, it was resolved that all the partners to pull together in implementing the recommendations in the study.
Since health is a devolved function, it was discussed that the CHWs be roped in to handle the cases at the grass roots not forgetting the non conventional healers such as the herbalists and faith based healers.
The facilitators brought on board included: Beryl Arogo from TINADA, Mr Dancan Omondi TINADA, Mr. Sospeter Mumbo TINADA, and Mr. Jeremiah Okuto County mental health coordinator .
The meeting was graced by participants drawn from different organizations, CBOs, CSOs, and Institutions.
By: Emily Mikwa
How Kisumu Is Blazing the Trail in The Fight Against Sexual Gender-Based Violence
- Published in Gender and Youth Affairs, Health
A Bold Commitment In Support Of County Reproductive Health
Health CEC member Prof. Boaz Nyunya togther with Dr. Monica Oguttu Executive Director Kmet unveils the Kisumu County FPCIP 2019-2023 (Picture by David Wadulo)
The health and sanitation department today unveiled the Kisumu County Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (KCFPCIP) 2019-2023 in a function that was convened in partnership with KMET and stakeholders in support of the FP service delivery commitment.
The first KCFPCIP launch is a bold commitment in support of county reproductive health programs that are set to ensure that family planning is integrated into relevant sectors. The FPCIP is a roadmap to articulating and guiding the who, what, when and how much it takes to achieve the 2019- 2023 commitment.
It is also a great stride in creating increased access to reproductive health, improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of reproductive maternal newborn child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) service delivery to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Speaking during the launch, the CEC Member for Health Prof. Boaz Nyunya welcomed the document adding that the department purposes to enhance the reproductive health status of the people by increasing equitable access to reproductive health services, improving quality, efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery at all levels.
Most importantly, Prof. Nyunya pointed out areas of concern including addressing the burden of unintended pregnancy among women of reproductive age, improving access to quality family planning services and aligning to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a priority. To realize this, CECM confirmed that the county signed a memorandum of understanding with NHIF which will see 45000 household indigents benefit from the UHC.
“If properly implement the family planning program can enable the county to achieve development goals including improved maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS…” Said Prof. Nyunya
The CFPCIP is a 5-year actionable road-map designed to help Kisumu County achieve its family planning goals that can be realized through the department’s commitment to increasing the total contraceptive prevalence rate in the county. It is developed to address the country’s family planning programming needs as it provides a clear picture of the financial resources needed to reach FP2019-2023 goals.
In her address, the Executive Director of KMET, Dr. Monica Oguttu, acknowledged the critical role of CIPs in transforming family planning commitments adding that FPCIP is a preventive measure that will help prevent most maternal deaths.
Jane Owuor the County Reproductive Health Coordinator indicated that the CIP is an advocacy tool that will help in raising the visibility of family planning in the county provided that family planning is integrated into relevant sectors, in both service provision and advocacy.
The chief Officer Health and sanitation, Dr. Joseph Okweso and his Director Mr. Fredrick Oluoch also echoed their commitment and support of the document, promising to ensure its implementation across the county.
By Matilda Atieno
Kisumu the true reflection of development agenda – CS Kagwe
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has praised Kisumu for its comprehensive Covid-19 preparedness.
Addressing the Nation from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital today, Mr Kagwe said that besides Covid case management preparedness, Kisumu was operating a successful fully digitized Covid-19 Response Call Centre, which he described as the only one of its kind in the country.
Mr Kagwe praised Governor Anyang Nyongo over high level of cleanliness in Kisumu City. “Kisumu is beautiful, clean and well planned. I thank Prof Nyongo for this great job. You Kisumu people are lucky to have him as your Governor,” said Mr Kagwe who was accompanied by his education counterpart, Prof George Magoha.
Mr Kagwe had earlier visited Kemri/CDC research at Kisian which is the COVID-19 testing centre for the whole region and later toured the Kisumu Covid-19 Response Call center at Maseno University, City campus.
“Kisumu is far ahead of the pack in Covid-19 preparedness. I challenge other counties to borrow a leaf. We have learnt a lot today,” said the CS. He was particularly happy that Kisumu has trained and sensitized over 2400 healthcare workers and 2900 Commumity health workers on how to handle Covid-19 patients on Home Based Care as well as security personnel including police officers manning the county’s 12 border crossing points on a 24-hour basis.
Prof Nyongo said Kisumu’s success story was due to good working relationship between the County, the National government and political leaders.
Kagwe also recognized the gains accrued from the cordial partnership between Maseno University and Kisumu county, that saw the establishment of the Covid-19 Response Call Centre and the CovidConnect or Luscii App, a digital platform for self-assessment of coronavirus symptoms.
CS Kagwe who was on a fact finding tour to appraise himself and Ministry about the County’s preparedness to manage and mitigate Coronavirus infections also used the opportunity to release the daily National government Covid-19 Situational Report.
In today’s briefing, the CS said that the current cumulative number stands at 26,436 with the country having registered 599 new infections and two mortalities. He however noted that the last 24 hours has also seen 1,062 recoveries, the highest ever recorded bringing the total recoveries to 12,961. 983 of those recoveries were recorded from home based care fortifying success of that strategy.
The function was attended by Ag.Director General of Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, Deputy Governor Ochieng Owili, County Commissioner Susan Waweru, Mps Aduma Owuor, Shakeel Shabir, Jared Okello and James Nyikal.
By. Kodera Ager
photo by: Lenox Omondi
Stepping Up Covid -19 Mitigation Measures in the Informal Settlements
Governor Nyong’o warned the County residents against complacency in adherence to mitigation measures in place toward the fight against Covid – 19 pandemic.
Currently, the responsibility of the management of Covid-19 has been shouldered on communities following the opening of the country after 3-months cessation on COVID -19 prone areas.
“You cannot defy death when it comes, take personal responsibility of your health by observing the basic rules” the Governor said during the official launch of the UNHABITAT- CSUDP supported informal settlement Covid -19 response in Kisumu.
Sentiments echoed by His Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili who urged the residents not to drop their guard but observe the basic preventive measures of wearing masks, keeping social distance and hand washing to mitigate the impact of Covid 19.
Governor thanked the UNHABITAT – CSUDP for the donations of 15 dispensers, 50 jerricans, 2,000 litters of hand sanitizers, 3,000 face masks, water supply from KIWASCO and a retainer fee for 30 volunteers who will manage the wash stations for 30 days to be distributed across seven informal settlements namely: Bandani, Manyatta A, Manyatta B, Kaloleni, Nyawita, Obunga and Nyalenda.
It is against the backdrop that the informal settlements in Kisumu are more pre-disposed in the wake of such transmissions due to their dense nature of occupation and special attention has been paid to these areas in the continued fight against the pandemic.
The Chairperson for the Kisumu County Covid -19 Emergency Response Committee Emeritus Deputy Governor, Ruth Odinga urged the UNHABITAT to extend the initiative to the rest of the sub counties and called on other development partners to marshal resources toward the mitigation of Covid- 19 pandemic.
The CEO CSUDP, Mr. George Wasonga on his part thanked both the County Government and UNHABITAT for embracing the initiative that will enlighten the people that Covid -19 is no longer a health problem but also poses economic and social challenges within our communities.
He added that the Production of the state of art hand-washing equipment has impacted positively on nurturing the innovative skills of the youths in the TVET sector.
Persons living with Disabilities were also not left behind since they were the producers of the quality masks donated.
There will also be a Comprehensive database mapping the status of Covid-19 response, facilities and actors in the seven informal settlements in the city of Kisumu.
Also present during the event were: The City Manager Doris Ombara, a host of MCAs, Chief Officer Lands Housing and Urban Development Mr. Geoffrey Ochieng, members of Kisumu Covid- 19 Multi –Agency Technical Group on Informal Settlement (KCMATGIS) among other top county officials.
By: Emily Mikwa
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o Giving a press briefing to the media during the official launch of UNHABITAT – CSUDP supported Informal Settlement Covid-19 Response in Kisumu ( photo by Mr. David Wadulo)
Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o together with Deputy Governor Dr. Owili being shown how the dispensers made by the TVET sector function ( photo by Mr. David Wadulo)
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o during a hand-washing demo during the launch of the UNHABITAT – CSUDP supported Informal Settlement Covid-19 Response in Kisumu ( photo by Mr. David Wadulo)
An assortment of hand washing equipment and hand sanitizers donated by UNHABITAT- CSUDP to be distributed to the seven Informal settlements in Kisumu ( photo by Mr. David Wadulo)
- Published in Health, News Item, Special Programs
Kisumu Health CEC Member Sworn In
Prof. Boaz Otieno Nyunya the in coming CEC Member for health and sanitation taking oath of office
Kisumu finally has a substantive Cabinet Committee Member for Health and Sanitation following the swearing in of Prof. Boaz Otieno Nyunya earlier today.
Prof. Nyunya who previously served as the Associate Director of Programs, Western Kenya at the Center for Disease Control in Kisumu was sworn into office this morning by Kisumu Law Courts Principal Magistrate Joan Wambilianga at a ceremony held at City Hall.
As he welcomed the new CECM, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o who witnessed the ceremony alongside his Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili congratulated Prof. Nyunya on his new assignment describing him as Kenya’s most leading medical practitioner.
The Governor was quick to mention that the appointment was coming in at the right time bearing in mind the new challenges presented by the COVID – 19 pandemic that the world is grappling with. He said the county will now bank on Prof. Nyunya’s vast experience on issues health and development to deliver the health agenda for Kisumu County.
The Governor took time to champion for teamwork among staff to help realize the much needed transformation within the health sector and the County at large. He pleaded with the health workers not to concentrate too much on issues of immediate personal attention but instead seek a deeper understanding on the broader issue of health management.
” serving the people as a whole is very important and all of us must make certain sacrifices to make the engine of the whole government work”. The Governor said as he routed for a culture of consultation and dialogue in addressing grievances.
With the health workers back on duty from the long strike, the Governor promised to ensure that their welfare is taken care of without any discrimination assuring them of engaging in much more bilateral and constructive discussions that will give rise to sound proposals that can not be challenged by those in authority.
In a bid to combat the spread of the dreaded corona virus, the Governor made an appeal to the residents of Kisumu to exercise responsible behavior by strictly following the laid down protocols to help contain the disease.
“The first line of defense against COVID – 19 pandemic is yourself”. He said.
In his maiden address and acceptance speech, Prof. Nyunya said he was up to the task and will use his wide knowledge and experience on health systems while discharging his duties.
He promised to focus more on teamwork to address challenges within the health docket including the COVID-19 crisis and the frequent unrest. He also plans to tap into technology and strong monitoring and evaluation systems to transform the health sector in Kisumu.
Prof. Nyunya who is now the substantive CECM for health and Sanitation is an expert on matters health. He brings in a wealth of experience into the sector having served the country in various capacities including being a consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a researcher, leader in reproductive health, an educationist and programs specialist.
He takes over the health docket from Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o who was acting in the position after Prof. Judith Attyang was moved to head the Business docket.
The Governor was joined by the leadership of the County Assembly led by Speaker Elisha Oraro, Members of his Cabinet, Partners from the health sector among other County Officials.
City Hall, 16th July, 2020
GPU
Governor Nyong’o witnessing the swearing in of the in coming CEC Member for health and sanitation Prof. Boaz Otieno Nyunya
900 Hand-washing Units to Boost the Fight Against COVID-19
The County department of health in collaboration with UNICEF and other implementing partners today launched a campaign initiative to step up the efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus in Kisumu.
Led by the County director for health and sanitation, Mr. Fred Oluoch, the department released 900 hand-washing units of 20 litres capacity, supported by UNICEF to go towards the COVID-19 preparedness and response through risk communication and community engagement promotion, a move that is set to strengthen the fight against Corona Virus in Kisumu.
Speaking during the launch which was conducted at the Kisumu County Referral Hospital, Mr. Oluoch said the roll-out of the risk communication and community engagement promotion is in line with recently released guidelines by the Ministry of health to carry out health promotion in support of the other COVID -19 interventions.
Having been listed as one of the 14 high-risk counties for community transmission of COVID-19 attributed to Kisumu International airport, Lake Victoria seaport, various landing beaches, international high ways and being a business hub for East Africa, the County health department rolled out an awareness campaign to reinforce the existing COVID-19 preventive measures and demonstration of hand-washing techniques by the Community health workers ( CHWs) in targeted informal settlements, markets, bust stations and beaches.
The department of health supported by UNICEF through a direct cash transfer of Ksh. 1.2M, procured the 900 units to reinforce the fight against the spread of the pandemic in the targeted areas. The units will go a long way in demonstrating hand-washing techniques and will be evenly distributed in all the 7 sub-counties as follows, Kisumu East -100, Kisumu central -380, Kisumu West -80, Muhoroni -80, Nyakach -80, Nyando -100 and Seme to get 80.
The 30 days’ risk communication and county engagement campaign will be rolled out simultaneously to the sub-counties to step up awareness creation in public spaces and informal settlements on the use of face masks, hygiene promotion, and social distancing.
The CHWs have been tasked to ensure the continuous practice of the protocols in the public spaces.
By Matilda Atieno
County Director heal Mr. Fred Oluoch issuing hand washing units to t go to the 7 Sub-County targeted areas
Anti-Teenage Pregnancy Campaign To Be Rolled In Kisumu
Mama Ida Odinga Trust is seeking out partnerships with County Governments’ nationally to roll out a three-month campaign to address rising teenage pregnancies and child marriages.
Dubbed Linda Kesho, the program aims to halt new cases and stir up a national debate on the prevalence.
Kisumu is one of the four counties involved in the program, piloted by the NGO, others are Siaya, Kilifi and Narok.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last four months have seen an upsurge in the percentage of teen pregnancies countrywide with Kisumu recording 3500 cases between January and June this year, according to reports from the Health Department.
In a meeting today with a delegation from the Trust, Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili expressed concerns over the rising number of teenage pregnancies in the county.
According to statistics from a recent survey by the National Council on Population and Development, one in five girls aged between 15 and 19 in Kenya is either pregnant or has given birth already. He called for a collective responsibility and active engagement at the grassroots to ensure all cases are recorded, following a national directive issued by the Head of State.
President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday ordered a probe on the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence across the country. This will ensure all pregnant school girls are registered to access free and post-natal care offered by the government.
To stem the wave, the County Government through the Department of Gender has brought onboard key stakeholders to actively engage and sensitize the youth on reproductive health. In addition, the county government has laid out an elaborate approach to expedite judicial processes in dispensing justice to affected victims.
The project will be spearheaded by County First Ladies through administrative structures with support from their county units.
By Collins Owuor
- Published in Education, ICT & HRD, Gender and Youth Affairs, Health, News Item, Special Programs, Uncategorized
SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ISOLATION UNIT BEDS COMPLETE WITH MATTRESSES:CGK/RT/H&S/COVID-19/2020-2021/001
Click the link below to download the Tender Document and Advert ADVERT BED -MATRESSES SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND OF BEDS AND MATRESSES
Bidding will be conducted through the procedures specified in the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPADA) 2015 and will be eligible to bidders as indicated above.
Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information on normal working days on Monday to Friday between 0900hrs and 1600hrs except on Public Holidays or download at www.kisumu.go.ke and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Secretary Supply Chain Management situated at Prosperity House [ Huduma Centre-Kisumu] 2nd Floor Wing C.
Completed serialized/paginated Bidding Documents; ONE ORIGINAL AND TWO COPIES in plain sealed envelope clearly marked on top with the Tender Number and Description and accompanied with a 2% bid security of the quoted amount from Commercial Banks or Insurance Companies (Approved by Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) and should be addressed to:
THE COUNTY SECRETARY,
P.O BOX 2738-40100, KISUMU.
The bid documents must be deposited in Tender Box situated at the reception area on the 2nd floor of CGK offices, Prosperity Building, Kisumu on or before Monday 13th July 2020 Bulky tenders can be handed over to the Secretary Supply Chain Management for registration and safe keeping till the tender opening date.
- Published in Health, Tender Notice, Tenders