Health

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Wednesday led the official commissioning of the Makindu Chronic Care Center, a facility designed to offer integrated treatment for chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.

The center, constructed with the support of AIDS Healthcare Foundation Global, is set to serve over 2,000 patients. It promotes a model of care that integrates services under one roof, aiming to reduce stigma, especially among people living with HIV, while improving access to quality healthcare.

The facility is a key milestone in Makueni County’s broader health agenda and aligns with global healthcare trends that focus on comprehensive care supported by modern information and communication technologies.

As part of the county’s preventive health efforts, Mulili emphasized the focus on young people, identifying the “triple threat” of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence as critical areas of concern.

The new center is expected to play a crucial role in managing these interconnected health issues through early intervention and support.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Global Chief of Operations Laura Boudreau praised the county for embracing integrated healthcare, noting the shift away from fragmented services to more coordinated care that ensures patients receive the treatment they need efficiently and without discrimination.

In a bid to eliminate stigma around menstruation and promote inclusive health, Health Services ECM Dr. Paul Musila has called on communities and stakeholders to join hands in supporting menstrual hygiene initiatives.

During the commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day held on Thursday at Yieini primary school in Kibwezi West sub county, Dr. Paul Musila led an event aimed at breaking taboos and improving sanitation standards for learners.

He emphasized the critical role of community support, partnerships, and stakeholder collaboration in creating a stigma-free environment for menstruating girls.

He launched dignity pack distribution for adolescents—both girls and boys—as a show of inclusivity and shared responsibility.

The initiative also spotlighted the need for sustained efforts in providing menstrual hygiene products and ensuring schools have adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to support girls during their periods.

Chief Officer for Health Administration, Human Resource and Management, Dr. Harvey Mulei, echoed the call for enhanced stakeholder engagement in supporting menstrual health, underlining that access to proper hygiene resources is a basic right, not a privilege.

At 67, Josaya Mawa knows the high cost of poor lifestyle choices.

A survivor of both diabetes and hypertension since 2009, Mawa lost his right leg to a stroke,a painful consequence he blames on years of heavy drinking and unhealthy eating.

Speaking on Monday at Itumbule Health Center during World Hypertension Day, Muema passionately urged members of the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, warning that neglecting one’s health can have devastating consequences.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who led locals,leaders and partners in commemorating the day, announced that the county government has significantly increased funding for the procurement of life-saving drugs to ensure a steady supply of antihypertensive medication in Level 2 and 3 health facilities.

As part of strengthening primary healthcare, the county has also equipped Community Health Promoters with blood pressure monitors to conduct regular household screenings, supporting timely referrals, and following up on patients to ensure proper management.

County Health Executive Dr. Paul Musila revealed that the health department is in the process of digitizing records for hypertension patients across public facilities. The move aims to improve drug management and prevent stockouts.

Dr. Musila also noted that the county will ramp up medical outreaches targeting non-communicable diseases to enhance early detection and treatment.

Makueni County Referral Hospital has successfully performed its first-ever brain tumor surgery, marking a major leap forward in the county’s healthcare capabilities.

The delicate procedure, which took more than six hours, involved the excision of a brain tumor and was led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Muthoka Mativo, with support from Dr. Angela Murunga.

Chief Officer for Health, Dr. Harvey Mulei, who witnessed the procedure, lauded the surgical team for their exceptional expertise, coordination, and commitment

The patient, 69-year-old male, had been battling persistent migrains and seizures when he sought help at the facility.

After a thorough diagnostic process, doctors recommended immediate surgical intervention, which was successfully performed in the hospital’s main theatre.

This historic achievement means that Makueni residents will no longer need to travel to distant cities for advanced neurosurgical procedures. Kenyatta National Hospital

Makueni County recorded 2,200 new tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, with more than half going undiagnosed, raising concerns over the silent spread of the disease.

Health Services CECM, Dr. Paul Musila, revealed these figures at Matiliku Market on Monday while delivering his speech during World TB Day.

He expressed alarm over childhood TB, noting that 161 children were diagnosed in 2024,just 60% of the expected cases,leaving 40% undetected.

Dr. Musila reaffirmed the county government’s commitment, in partnership with stakeholders, to intensify TB control efforts.

Measures include increasing public awareness, enhancing early diagnosis and treatment, conducting outreach screenings, and integrating TB education into school health programs.

Echoing his sentiments, Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource, Dr. Harvey Mulei, emphasized that TB treatment and medication are available free of charge at all county health facilities.

He urged locals to take advantage of these services by seeking TB screening at the nearest health center.