Health

A high-level delegation of 18 senior health officials from Bungoma County visited Makueni County Referral Hospital to assess some of its flagship innovations, including the hospital’s acclaimed solarization project.

The delegation comprising the CECM and the chief officer for Health, members of the County Assembly Health Committee, and other senior representatives was received by Makueni County CECM for Health Services, Joyce Mutua, Chief Officer for Health Dr. Harvey Mulei, and Hospital CEO Martha Munyao.

During the tour, the officials commended the hospital’s exceptional standards of cleanliness, its growing telemedicine program, and a range of other transformative initiatives that have strengthened service delivery.

They also applauded Makueni’s transparent healthcare systems, noting them as a model worth emulating.

The team further explored opportunities for inter-county collaboration, including potential partnerships with the Makueni Fruit Processing Plant to enhance nutrition and community health programs.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has honoured MaryConcepta, a critical care nurse at Makindu Sub-County Hospital, with a commendation letter for her outstanding service.

Her recognition follows an incident last week, when she was on leave and providing locum services at Serena Hotel. During her shift, she attended Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, who had suddenly fallen ill.

The nurse acted swiftly, delivering timely and effective medical assistance that stabilized the diplomat and drew admiration for her professionalism.

MaryConcepta’s calmness under pressure, coupled with her skill and compassion, exemplified the highest standards of nursing practise.

Her conduct also reflected the governor’s emphasis on excellence and integrity in public service, a hallmark of his leadership philosophy, Wauni wa Kwika Nesa na Ulungalu.

Makueni County on Tuesday validated a Medical Laboratory Strategic Plan, marking a major step toward improving the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of diagnostic services across all health facilities in the county.

During the exercise, Health County Executive Committee Member, Joyce Mutua emphasized the central role that laboratories play in ensuring effective patient care. She said when laboratory services are efficient and results are timely and credible, clinicians are able to provide accurate prescriptions and save patients from delayed or incorrect treatment.

Mutua said the strategy comes at a time when the county is prioritizing the adoption of innovative technology and improved turnaround times for test results. She affirmed the county government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure, strengthening human resources, and ensuring that laboratory personnel remain well trained, well equipped and motivated.

The CECM also noted the strong support received from partners such as C-HEB, the Ministry of Health, Amref Health Africa and regulatory bodies.

Makueni currently hosts 242 health facilities, 87 of which operate medical laboratories, all of which depend on reliable diagnostic services for disease detection, treatment monitoring and public health interventions.

The event was attended by the Chief Officer, Health Services Dr. Harvey Mulei among others.

Makueni County on Monday joined the global community in marking World AIDS Day, observed under the theme “End AIDS in Adolescents and Young People.”

The theme reflects concerns raised in the 2024 HIV report, which shows that adolescents and young adults account for 39 percent of new infections, placing them among the most at-risk groups.

During the county’s commemoration event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili called for stronger youth engagement and emphasized the need for health services that are accessible, friendly, and free of stigma.

She underscored the county’s goal of ensuring that no child is born with HIV, noting that effective prevention tools are available.

Mulili further, appealed to men to embrace HIV testing as part of broader efforts to curb transmission.

Health Chief Officer Harvey Mulei announced plans to integrate HIV services into all general health platforms to reduce stigma and encourage more residents to seek care.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua urged young people to take responsibility for their well-being by prioritizing prevention measures, including abstinence.

She also highlighted adolescent pregnancy, one aspect of the Triple Threat,as a growing concern that requires urgent attention to protect young people from heightened health risks.

Makueni County on Monday hosted the National World Prematurity Day commemorations at the Mother and Child Hospital, drawing national attention to the urgent fight against newborn deaths.

The event was presided over by Tessie Mudavadi, spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and head of the Ushirika Wema Foundation, alongside Makueni First Lady Anita Mutula.

During the ceremony, the Ushirika Wema Foundation donated six neonatal incubators and accompanying accessories to the counties of Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos, each receiving two under the Okoa Malaika Programme, which supports the care of preterm infants.

According to Tessie, the national government has expanded the Linda Jamii health cover in an effort to curb the rising number of premature births, now estimated at 13% of all deliveries in Kenya. The enhanced cover aims to improve access to skilled birth attendance and critical newborn care across the country.

In her address, First Lady Anita Mutula highlighted that Makueni’s neonatal mortality rate currently stands at 21 per 1,000 live births, a figure that underscores the need for stronger maternal and newborn interventions.She noted that the county recorded 1,411 preterm births over the past year, with 250 infants, heartbreakingly, not surviving their first month of life.

To reverse this trend, Makueni has intensified investments in neonatal care. In October, the county partnered with ENI Kenya to establish the region’s first neonatal intensive care unit at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, an initiative designed to give preterm and low-birth-weight infants a stronger chance at survival.

The county has also expanded its Kangaroo Mother Care programme, building on its success in which 512 out of 515 preterm infants survived through skin-to-skin care. Additional spaces have been created, more health workers trained, and community outreach enhanced to support families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

In recognition of her advocacy, Tessie Mudavadi named Anita Mutula the Okoa Malaika Champion for the South Eastern region.

The event also drew participation from the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Hiyan, who underscored the broader social implications of prematurity and commended ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable newborns through the Okoa Malaika initiative.