Health

GLOBAL FUND & NASCOP DELEGATION VISITS MAKUENI TO ASSESS PROGRESS ON DISEASE CONTROL

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday hosted a high-level delegation from the Global Fund, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), the National Treasury, Amref, and the Kenya Red Cross.

The team is in Makueni on a week-long tour to evaluate progress in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, assess commodity security in health facilities, and strengthen coordination between the Global Fund, the Kenya Coordinating Mechanism, and the county governments.

The visit comes amid growing uncertainty across Africa following the recent announcement by the U.S. government regarding potential funding cuts for HIV, malaria, and TB programs.

Despite these concerns, Dr. Andrew Mulwa, the head of NASCOP, confirmed that there are adequate stocks of health products and technologies to last the country for 15 months.

Titus Munene from the Global Fund reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Makueni and announced plans to introduce portable digital mobile X-ray units to enhance TB screening services.

Governor Mutula raised concerns over the increase in new HIV infections in Mbooni Sub-County.

He also noted that TB cases are also on the rise, particularly in bus stop areas within Kilome and Mbooni areas, emphasizing that the introduction of portable X-ray technology will improve early detection and treatment.

During the one week visit, the delegation will tour various health facilities across Makueni and engage with healthcare workers to further strengthen disease control efforts.

HEALTH EXPERTS PARTNER TO COMBAT RABIES AND YELLOW FEVER IN MAKUENI COUNTY

The Department of Health Services has partnered with researchers from the University of Nairobi, KU Leuven (Belgium), and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) to engage stakeholders in developing innovative approaches to prevent rabies and yellow fever.

Makueni County is among the regions with a high burden of rabies, a vaccine-preventable zoonotic viral disease that affects the central nervous system.

As part of this collaboration, the department hosted a consultative meeting on Monday,employing participatory research methods to allow stakeholders to share diverse perspectives. These contributions will play a pivotal role in shaping policies aimed at mitigating rabies and yellow fever in the county.

Additionally, field visits will be conducted in selected healthcare facilities within the county to assess the prevalence of rabies and gather further insights for intervention strategies.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO Jr. PARTNERS WITH ILARA HEALTH TO ENHACE ULTRASOUND SERVICES IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ilara Health Limited to improve access to critical ultrasound services, particularly for pregnant women in Makueni County.

Under the agreement, Ilara Health will provide Butterfly ultrasound machines,advanced, handheld point-of-care devices capable of performing a wide range of scans that were previously carried out only at the county hospitals.

Dr. Eric Mbuthia, Chief Medical Officer at Ilara Health, noted that these devices are designed to enhance healthcare delivery by making ultrasound services more accessible at the primary care level. He highlighted that the machines can conduct up to 300 scans per month, helping to address the healthcare needs of Makueni residents.

During the event, Dr. Mbuthia demonstrated how the ultrasound devices function, emphasizing their ability to connect radiographers in Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities with specialists at the referral hospital through telemedicine for consultations on complex cases.

Governor Mutula welcomed the initiative, stating that the county plans to integrate the technology into its medical outreach programs, aiming to reach as many patients as possible. He also encouraged other counties to leverage such innovations to improve healthcare services for their populations.

This partnership is expected to greatly enhance the quality of care in Makueni, particularly for pregnant women, and strengthen the county’s healthcare infrastructure.

MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING EQUIPMENT FROM ASTRAZENECA

The Makueni County Referral Hospital’s oncology department has received a significant boost in its fight against prostate cancer following the donation of 500 Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test kits and a chroma analyzer from AstraZeneca. The equipment, valued at KSh 2.2 million, was handed over today.

The new resources are set to enhance community-based screening for prostate cancer, facilitating early detection and timely treatment within Makueni County.

Dr. Josephat Sua of AstraZeneca officially presented the PSA kits and analyzer to the County Executive Member for Health Services, Dr. Paul Musila, and the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Martha Munyao, during a brief ceremony at the hospital.

MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST MALNUTRITION

Makueni County has taken a bold step to combat moderate acute malnutrition among children under five as well as pregnant & lactating women.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday flagged off nutrition supplies worth KSh 2.6 million at Makueni County Referral Hospital, supported by ENI-Kenya.

The supplies, which include essential nutrition supplements and weighing scales, will be distributed across 121 health facilities-which are sites for managing acute Malnutrition within the county. The initiative targets malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months and pregnant & lactating women.

Recent studies indicate that Makueni’s malnutrition rates exceed national averages, with Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West being the most affected regions.

To address these alarming figures, the county government has partnered with ENI-Kenya in provision of the weighing scales which will ensure accurate monitoring of growth to screen and identify malnutrition timely.

Following the screening, those with acute Malnutrition will be managed appropriately using these nutrition supplies

The flagged-off commodities include 29,083 sachets(200gms each) of supplements for children under five and 2,043 sachets(300gms each) for pregnant and lactating women.

Additionally, the distribution package features 25 baby weighing scales and 25 Salter scales to support accurate and timely growth monitoring.

Dr. Paul Musila, the County Executive for Health Services, emphasized that these efforts would significantly improve nutrition among vulnerable children, pregnant &Lactating women enhance improved maternal health, and better pregnancy outcomes.

Governor Mutula urged mothers to take advantage of the interventions being promoted by health regarding the first 1000 days (from conception to first 2 years of childs life) to ensure optimal growth of their children.

MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL EMPOWERS CANCER PATIENTS WITH GIFT HAMPERS AND ENHANCED CARE PLANS.

Makueni County Referral Hospital on Thursday hosted a special event dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their caregivers, marked by the distribution of gift hampers that were donated by the county First Lady Makueni – Anita Mutula

The occasion brought together top health officials, including the Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Dr. Paul Musila, and the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Martha Munyao.

The hospital’s oncology department was lauded for its exceptional commitment to patient care, with plans unveiled to expand cancer treatment services.

Among the developments is the construction of a larger facility aimed at accommodating the growing number of patients requiring specialized care.

Patients were also urged to take full advantage of the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance system, which offers expanded healthcare benefits and support.

Health leaders emphasized the critical importance of regular cancer screenings, highlighting early detection as a key factor in improving treatment outcomes.

This initiative reflects the hospital’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients while advancing the county’s overall healthcare services.

Makueni County Crowned SDG Champion

Makueni County has once again been named Kenya’s best-performing county in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), winning the prestigious award for the sixth consecutive year. The accolade was presented to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. by Florence Syevuo, Executive Director of the SDG Forum Kenya, on Wednesday during a ceremony at his Wote office.

The county’s success is anchored on innovative policies like the Makueni Universal Health Policy 2020 and Climate Change Fund Regulations 2015, addressing healthcare access, climate resilience, and social inclusion. By aligning SDGs with its County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 and Annual Development Plans, Makueni ensures precise progress tracking and impactful implementation.

Institutional frameworks, including a dedicated SDGs Coordinating Unit and grassroots SDG champions, have bolstered coordination and community ownership. Creative outreach, such as translating SDGs into the Kamba dialect and the SDG anthem by the Makueni Choir, has deepened public awareness.

Another contributing factor is partnerships with organizations like the World Resources Institute and Strathmore University which have enhanced capacity-building and the integration of global sustainability practices. Robust data tools, including an SDG Indicator Handbook, have also supported evidence-based decision-making and accountability.

Lauding Makueni’s leadership, Syevuo noted, “Makueni has proven that sustainable development is achievable through visionary leadership and community involvement, setting a benchmark for others to follow.”

WOMEN URGED TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP FOR INFANT TEETHING PROBLEMS

Women in reproductive age have been encouraged to seek medical assistance when their infants face teething challenges instead of resorting to harmful traditional practices.

Speaking on Wednesday in Wote during a meeting with over 150 women from Maendeleo ya Wanawake across the county, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili expressed concern over infant deaths caused by traditional gum cutting.

She urged mothers to prioritize modern medical interventions to safeguard their children’s health.

Mulili also emphasized the importance of regular breast and cervical cancer screenings, which are ongoing at the sub-county hospitals.

Additionally, she called on women suffering from fistula to attend screenings at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote for specialized care and treatment.

In her remarks, County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa provided a detailed presentation on the legal aspects of land succession, inheritance, and property management, empowering women to navigate these issues effectively.

Other topics covered during the meeting included combating gender-based violence and accessing the Makueni County Empowerment Fund.

The event was also attended by Finance Executive Committee Member Damaris Kavoi.

VOLUNTARY HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING ON THE RISE

In recent times, Makueni County has witnessed an increase in the number of individuals voluntarily undergoing HIV testing and counseling, with many stepping forward to know their status and seek related healthcare services.

During the World AIDS Day commemoration held in Makindu on Monday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili outlined the county’s comprehensive plans and strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and mitigate its impact on the local population.

World AIDS Day, marked on December 1, honors lives lost to HIV/AIDS, celebrates survivors’ resilience, and calls for action to support those affected.

This year’s theme highlighted public education and united efforts to end HIV while tackling issues like new infections, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence.

Makueni County has intensified its HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment initiatives by establishing friendly clinics, deploying mobile health units, and conducting community outreach programs, significantly enhancing access to healthcare services.

Additionally, the county has rolled out targeted sensitization campaigns in colleges and among county employees to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.

A poignant moment during the commemoration was the testimony of a 54-year-old HIV advocate who has lived with the virus for 28 years. His powerful story of resilience and advocacy serves as a source of inspiration for many.

After being abandoned by his family following his diagnosis in 1994, he overcame immense challenges and has since become a leading voice in HIV awareness, using his journey to empower and encourage others to seek support and embrace hope.

OVER 3000 BENEFIT FROM SPECIALIZED MEDICAL CAMP IN MAKUENI

More than 3000 residents received orthopedic,dental and cataract surgeries at Tawa Sub-County Hospital during a medical camp organized by the County Government of Makueni in collaboration with the Shrimad Rajchandra charitable organization.

The medical camp successfully addressed three complex orthopedic cases, performed 114 eye cataract surgeries, and conducted 70 dental procedures.

In addition to the surgeries, the camp provided vital health screenings for diabetes and high blood pressure, enhancing access to critical healthcare services for the community.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Stephen Ndolo, Chief Officer for Health Services, encouraged locals to take full advantage of the camp’s offerings, including screenings for cervical and breast cancer as well as other medical conditions.

Dr. Ndolo also urged residents to enroll in the Makueni Care health insurance program (SHA) to ease the financial burden of hospital bills, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in accessing affordable healthcare.

The camp reflects the county’s ongoing efforts to improve health services and promote preventative care among its residents.