Health

Department of Health services in collaboration with sightsavers organised a co- creation workshop to support the implementation of Boresha Macho project.

The initiative is designed to address refractive error challenges and reduce preventable visual impairments across the County.

The two- year initiative seeks to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in eye health.

Sightsavers is introducing the project to help meet the World Health Organisation’ s global target of a 40% increase in effective coverage of refractive error services.

Health Services Ag.Dr. Stephen Mwatha added that the County Government will build capacity of atleast 300 teachers and 365 community health promoters to conduct screenings and create awareness at the community level.

The workshop brought together key health stakeholders including Makueni County Referral Hospital CEO Ms Martha Munyao, Dr. Chomba among other departmental heads, who helped in planning the practical implementation of this transformative project.

Makueni County has received 150 medical flowmeters from PATH, a move aimed at strengthening oxygen therapy services in local health facilities. The flowmeters will be distributed to the Makueni County Referral Hospital as well as Makindu, Sultan Hamud, and Mbooni sub-county hospitals.

According to the Health Services CECM Dr.Paul Musila, the devices are essential for delivering accurate oxygen therapy to patients, particularly in emergency situations.

Dr.Musila, noted that the need for reliable oxygen supply systems in county health facilities became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, the county has been working with partners to address existing gaps.

The donation supports Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s broader commitment to strengthening health systems and achieving universal health coverage across the county.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday launched the county’s first-ever Referral Hospital Strategic Plan (2025–2030), marking a major milestone in the region’s journey toward delivering quality, inclusive, and specialized healthcare.

The ambitious six-year plan is anchored on four key pillars: quality and specialized health services, robust systems and skilled personnel, smart infrastructure and technology, and patient-centered care that leaves no one behind.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Mutula emphasized that the strategy is structured around the balanced scorecard approach, aligning internal processes, financial stewardship, and institutional capacity with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction.

According to him,the Referral hospital has already made strides with the recent investment in minimal access surgery following the commissioning of a laparoscopic tower. The governor added that the hospital has also introduced new specialized services such as hemato-pathology and neurosurgery, with plans to expand these into centres of excellence within the next five years.

Governor Mutula was joined at the event by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Health Services CECM Dr. Paul Musila,his Lands counterpart CECM Japheth Mang’oka, and several Members of the County Assembly including Jackson Mbalu, Elizabeth Muthike, and Felix Mateso. Also present was the CEO of Makueni County Referral Hospital, Martha Munyao, alongside other senior county officials.

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