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Health

MAKUENI MARKS WORLD CONTRACEPTION DAY 2024 IN EMALI.

Hundreds of women and girls gathered in Emali town on Thursday to undergo clinical screenings for diabetes and hypertension as they marked world contraception day.

The event, organized by the Makueni County Government in collaboration with various partners, aimed to empower women and girls by providing information and resources on contraceptive options.

Dr. Harvey Mulei, Chief Officer for Health Human Resource Management and Administration, led the celebrations, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that every pregnancy is planned and wanted.

He also noted that Emali Hospital has been upgraded and gazetted as a Level 4 facility, with plans underway to establish a surgical theater and install additional medical equipment.

Dr. Mulei further pledged that the county would mobilize more resources and secure funding to enhance access to quality contraceptive services.

He urged residents along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway to remain vigilant against mpox.

Additionally, Dr. Mulei encouraged locals to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which will replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) starting October 1st, to ensure access to medical services.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR RECEIVES DELEGATION FROM NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL.

On Wednesday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili welcomed a high-level delegation from Nutrition International, led by the organization’s Vice President of Program Operations, Dr. Paula Tanaglia.

The delegation was in Makueni to assess the progress of ongoing nutrition programs and more specific on Adolescent Health and Nutrition program that supports adolescent girls and boys in the county.

Nutrition International has partnered with Makueni County to implement a comprehensive health and nutrition program aimed at improving the health of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, newborns, children under five, and adolescents.

The Adolescent health and nutrition initiative involves a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Departments of Health Services, Teacher Service Commission and Gender by providing adolescents with Nutrition education and weekly iron and folic acid supplements (WIFS) to boost their feeding practices and avert anaemia and its symptoms among the girls.

The program is currently being implemented in 590 schools across the County.

Program coordinators reported significant improvements in adolescent health and nutrition, as well as enhanced academic performance among girls and a reduction in absenteeism in schools among others.

Mulili expressed her appreciation for the partnership and announced plans to increase budget allocations to expand the program further.

In addition to the nutrition initiative, Nutrition International has also partnered with the county to implement gender mainstreaming in adolescent health and nutrition, a program spearheaded by the deputy governor.

The initiative has been piloted in 20 schools across Kaiti, Makueni, Mbooni, and Kibwezi West sub-counties.

Dr. Paula Tanaglia, Nutrition International’s Vice President of Program Operations, expressed her delight at witnessing the positive impact the program has had on the children.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL TO TACKLE FOOD SECURITY AND MALNUTRITION THROUGH NEW POLICY.

In a strategic effort to address nutritional challenges in Makueni, the Department of Health Services has partnered with Nutrition International to develop a Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

This policy aims to tackle these issues by outlining key strategies, commitments, and an implementation framework designed to enhance nutrition and food security.

On Thursday, the Makueni Health Assembly Committee reviewed the draft policy, offering critical input before it is presented to the County Assembly for adoption.

During the forum, Nutrition International’s Country Director, Martha Nyangaya, urged participants to reconsider the advertising of fast foods near schools, drawing a parallel to the restrictions placed on alcohol and cigarettes. She noted that such marketing contributes significantly to poor nutrition among children.

Health Services Chief Officer, Dr. Stephen Ndolo, emphasized the importance of a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to the policy’s implementation, noting that this synergy is key to fostering social development and improving public health outcomes.

County Executive Committee Member in charge of Devolution,County administration,public participation & special programs Japheth Mang’oka opened the forum.

GOVERNOR OTUOMA VISITS MAKUENI MOTHER AND CHILD HOSPITAL

Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma visited Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Friday to benchmark the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital. The facility is renowned for its exceptional maternal and child healthcare services.

Governor Kilonzo emphasized the importance of inter-county collaboration to improve healthcare

Dr. Otuoma aims to replicate the hospital’s model in Busia County.

The visit highlights Makueni’s progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality, showcasing the county as a healthcare leader.

Governor Mutula Announces Plans to Equip the Upgraded Kyambeke Hospital

Plans are in top gear to fully equip Kyambeke hospital which has been upgraded from a health centre to a level 4 hospital.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr said as a result, the county government will constuct a laboratory, theatre and morgue so the facility matches the standard of its new status in healthcare provision.

He spoke during the burial of Hannah Muthoka, a sister to Ilima MCA, Bishop Jonathan Muthoka. Others who attended the event included area MP Joshua Kimilu, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete, MCAs Reuben Kavai, Kasikeu, Elizabeth Muthike, Joyce Wambua, Sharon Mutinda, Urbanus Wambua and Sarah Mbilo among others.

MBOONI SUB-COUNTY HOSPITAL RECEIVES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT WORTH KSH 1 MILLION FROM SAFARICOM FOUNDATION.

On Thursday, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received vital medical equipment valued at Ksh 1 million from the Safaricom Foundation, aimed at improving healthcare services at Mbooni Sub-County Hospital.

The donation, presented by Safaricom Foundation Chair Joe Ogutu, includes 9 ward beds, 2 room heaters, 2 baby cots, a delivery couch, a treatment trolley, a 50-seater tent, and 25 chairs. These items are intended to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality healthcare to the local community.

Speaking during the handover, Deputy Governor Mulili highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in resource mobilization, which align with the county’s vision and the implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan.

Safaricom Foundation Chair Joe Ogutu praised Makueni County for making effective use of previous donations and emphasized the foundation’s commitment to bringing impactful projects through strong partnerships with the county

MAKUENI ESTABLISHES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH AVENUE GROUP.

In a bid to strengthen healthcare services, the Makueni County Government has established a strategic partnership with Avenue group, Nairobi.

This collaboration aims to establish a two-way platform for surgical training, mentorship, and research.

On Wednesday, the governor alongside Dr. Shannon Shibata-Germanos, Head of Proximie Global Health, visited Avenue group’s headquarters in Nairobi to discuss this promising alliance.

Governor Mutula emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship that would allow Makueni’s sub-county health facilities to work closely with Avenue group both digitally and in person.

This partnership is expected to include joint workshops, surgical training camps, mentorship programs, research initiatives, live demonstrations, and the co-publication of medical findings.

In attendance were Prof.Paul Odula, Head of Department of Surgery at the institution and Dr. Michael Mwachiro, Head of Gastroenterology among others.

COUNTIES GATHER TO LEARN TELE-SURGERY FROM MAKUENI

Top health officials from Murang’a, Nakuru, and Mombasa counties on Wednesday gathered at the Council of Governors’ offices in Nairobi to learn from Makueni’s successful use of technology in the practice of surgery within the county hospitals.

As a pioneer in integrating Proximie technology, Makueni County has made strides in enhancing surgical procedures through the use of real-time video feeds.

This innovation has not only improved surgical outcomes, but has also facilitated the learning and mentorship of clinicians and medical interns within the county.

The meeting focused on counties coming together to create synergies, explore sustainable implementation strategies, and support the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals for the benefit of local communities. Digital health, as envisioned in the Digital Health Act 2023, will be optimally achieved once modern technology is embraced by all players.

Additionally, there was an emphasis on documenting these processes to share the impact across counties and with the Maarifa center within Council of Governors.

Shannon Shibata Germanos, Head of Proximie Global Health, emphasized that Proximie accelerates surgical training by allowing clinicians to observe procedures, learn new techniques, and exchange feedback from anywhere in the world and on any device.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. highlighted the successes achieved with the cutting-edge technology, stressing that a team-based approach, focused on evidence-based best practices, patient safety, and communication, has been crucial in strengthening surgical outcomes in Makueni.

Governor Kilonzo expressed his hope that modern technology would be adopted nationwide, championed by all 47 governors.

The effectiveness of this technology has already been recognized by Kenyatta National Hospital and the University of Nairobi, both of which have adopted practices learned from Makueni.

COG’s Director Khatra Ali acknowledged the potential of Proximie technology for county-based training, noting that it could help retain medics who might otherwise take study leave, creating gaps in staffing that counties struggle to fill due to budget constraints.

MAKUENI HEALTH DEPT. AND THINKWELL REVIEW HPT MANAGEMENT, FOCUS ON OPTIMIZED FINANCING

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with ThinkWell, on Monday convened county pharmaceutical managers for a two day meeting aimed at reviewing the county’s customized Health Products and Technologies (HPT) management functions.

Thinkwell is an organization that helps low- and middle-income countries improve their healthcare systems to ensure everyone has access to affordable healthcare.

Their discussions focused on optimizing HPT financing, and refining data review mechanisms.

The organization has been instrumental in supporting Makueni by implementing effective health financing strategies that ensure sufficient resources are allocated to primary healthcare facilities.

Their approach involves aligning commodity financing with the specific needs of healthcare facilities and streamlining procurement processes through evidence-based methods.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

The department of Health Services in collaboration with Rotary Club Magharibi, Surgical Society of Kenya and other partners will hold a one week free surgical camp from 21st to 25th October 2024.

In preparation for the camp patients will be asked to visit their nearest Subcounty hospital for Screening. Screening will be done at all Subcounty hospitals and patients will be referred to MCRH and Makindu For further analysis and registration on the clinic days as shown below.

You are required to keep a register of all patients screened for the camp as well as those referred with details such as: Name, Phone number, Next of Kin and their phone number, Diagnosis, Facility referred to.

*Specialist Clinic days at MCRH*

General surgeon – Tuesdays

ENT Surgeon – Tuesdays

Orthopaedic surgeon – Tuesdays

Eye surgeon – Mondays and Wednesdays

Neurosurgeon – Mondays

*Special clinic days Makindu SCH*

Orthopedic clinic – Mondays