By Matilda Atieno
The residents of the Kisumu East sub-county can now experience convenient access to health care with the opening of two new maternity units namely Nyalunya and Chiga as well as one more dispensary called Obino.
The opening marks health expansion in Kisumu’s health care providers with an additional 469 Community Health Workers (CHWs) graduating today adding to the number of CHWs in the push for better healthcare for the people of Kisumu County.
Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o officially opened the health facilities and presided over the graduation ceremony of CHWs. As a county, the health department thrives to ensure the digitization of community health workers armed with a digital tool to improve their efficiency as well as provide real-time data that will support timely decision-making.
“Today, I am very happy to note that our investments in community health systems have increased deliveries in hospitals by 20%.” Stated Governor Nyong’o.
According to the Governor, the operationalization of the maternity units and Obino dispensary will not only provide access to a wide range of safe reproductive health services, but it will also improve geographical access by lessening the distance previously traveled by the community members in search of health services.
In keeping with aspiration and promise for excellent quality affordable healthcare delivery to every citizen of Kisumu County, Governor Nyong’o has committed to officially commission the maternity unit at Kowino health center adding to the existing maternity units.
The Governor also acknowledged the role of the community health workers in generating vital health data at a house the hold level and in delivering high-impact community health interventions. Community health provides an avenue for further expanding access to health care by availing this service at the doorstep.
