Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Health

MAKINDU CHRONIC CARE CENTER COMMISSIONED TO ENHANCE INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES

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.

UNITED AGAINST PERIOD STIGMA.

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.

STROKE SURVIVOR URGES HEALTHY LIVING AS MAKUENI MARKS WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY

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 MAKES MEDICAL HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY

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

OVER 30 NEW MOTHERS AT MAKUENI MOTHER AND CHIL HOSPITAL RECEIVE MOTHER’S DAY SURPRISE

More than 30 new mothers at Makueni Mother and Child Hospital on Monday received a pleasant surprise for Mother’s Day, marked on Sunday, when senior female leaders from the county’s Executive paid them a special visit.

Led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, (CECMs) and Chief Officers distributed gift hampers containing postnatal care packages tailored for lactating mothers.

The gesture was part of efforts to honor and celebrate motherhood.

Mulili praised the critical role mothers play in families and society and urged them to prioritize medical care for infant teething and adopt modern reproductive health practices for better outcomes.

She was accompanied by CECMs Elizabeth Muli (ICT), Dr. Sonia Nzilani (Trade), County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa, County Referral Hospital CEO Martha Munyao, and other senior county officials.

27 KIDNEY PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM VASCULAR ACCESS SURGERIES AT MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL.

Twenty-seven patients undergoing dialysis at the Makueni County Referral Hospital and other hospitals have successfully received arteriovenous fistula procedures, a critical form of vascular access that significantly improves the effectiveness and safety of dialysis.

The surgeries were conducted by a team of seven specialists from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), who have been stationed at the facility since Wednesday.

The team, led by Dr. Tom Omulo, is in Makueni courtesy of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., following a partnership between the County Government of Makueni, KNH, and the University of Nairobi.

Dr. Omulo explained that arteriovenous fistulas offer kidney failure patients a safer and more permanent access to dialysis compared to catheter insertions, which are more susceptible to infections, clotting, and disconnection.

The initiative has drawn patients from neighboring counties, including Kitui and Machakos.

According to Dr. Harvey Mulei, the Chief Officer for Health, Administration, Human Resource and Management, the county is exploring further collaboration with KNH to train its healthcare workers in vascular access procedures to enhance local capacity.

BOOST FOR CHILD HEALTH

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and Health Services CECM Dr. Paul Musila on Thursday flagged off a consignment of nutrition supplies at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The four-month supply, donated by Helen Keller International, will be distributed across 121 health facilities in the county that manage cases of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) among children.

Currently, the County is caring for 950 children under the age of five diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition, a condition that, if left untreated, can have long-lasting effects on a child’s growth and development.

Speaking during the flag-off, Mulili emphasized the importance of the intervention, noting that the nutrition commodities will go a long way in restoring the health and vitality of affected children.

Dr. Musila lauded the partnership with Helen Keller International, stressing the county’s commitment to ensuring every child has a chance to thrive.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH KEY INSTITUTIONS TO BOOST HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance healthcare services in the county.

The agreements, signed with The Open University of Kenya,Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), and North Star Alliance, will strengthen medical research, capacity building, and disease prevention efforts.

Under the partnership with The Open University of Kenya, the Department of Health will facilitate student placements and research opportunities in health sciences within county health facilities.

The collaboration aims to bolster medical education, enhance research, and apply scientific knowledge to improve patient care.

Meanwhile, the agreement with CHAK will support the implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs in select faith-based and county health facilities.

This partnership will run until September 2026, emphasizing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the region.

North Star Alliance will as well work alongside the County Health Department to reduce the prevalence of communicable diseases, including HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The partnership will focus on delivering health and safety services at the Roadside Wellness Centre in Emali and integrating key population-friendly services in selected health facilities

KYAMBEKE HEALTH FACILITY UPGRADED TO LEVEL IV IN MAJOR HEALTHCARE BOOST

Kyambeke Health Facility has received a significant upgrade following its official gazettement from a Level III to a Level IV facility.

This milestone was confirmed during Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development visit in Ilima ward on Tuesday.

As part of the upgrade, the facility has been equipped with a full haemogram machine for the laboratory department to enhance diagnostic services.

The facility is equipped with dedicated wards, offering 11 beds for female patients, 10 for male patients, 6 for maternity care and 2 baby cots, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services.

Additionally, 15 more healthcare staff have been deployed to improve service delivery to the vast surrounding community. The elevation marks a substantial step in improving healthcare services in the region.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Mutula reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare and ensuring improved services for all Makueni residents.

“We, as the County Executive, have agreed with the County Assembly to create a plan in the upcoming budget that will ensure Makueni residents receive quality healthcare,” said Mutula.

During the ward tour, Governor Mutula also handed over six 100-seater tents and 600 plastic chairs to community groups with membership of more than 3,000 members at a public baraza in Kyambeke Market.

The governor was accompanied by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CEC Member for Lands Japheth Mang’oka, Majority Leader Kisungi Wa Katete and MCAs Jonathan Muthoka (Ilima), Urbanus Manzu Kee and Special-Elect Magdalene Mulwa.

MAKUENI BATTLES TB AS OVER 40% TO 50% OF CASES GO UNDIAGNOSED

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.