HOMA BAY COUNTY PARTNERS WITH RED CROSS AND ADS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS

Kenya Red Cross Society, County Government of Homabay and
ACK Development Services (ADS nyanza) have agreed to form a
joint partnership by signing a service level agreement to contribute
towards improving the health status of the people of Rangwe Sub
County through strengthening community structures to actively
participate in processes that would improve primary healthcare at
level one and improve community referral systems.
The signing of the Service Level Agreement and the subsequent
launch of the community system strengthening was done at the
ministry of health compound. The delegates for the launch
included; Red Cross Deputy secretary general, Ms. Abrisho Halake,
Regional manager West Kenya region, Ms. Lilian Ouma, Rt. Rev.
James Ochiel Bishop ACK Diocese of Southern Nyanza, County
Chief Officer Duncan Ojiem and Chief executive for Health Dr.
Lawrence Oteng’.
The County health department has recruited and trained 2,740
community health workers who will be used to implement the
programme that will help reduce the HIV disease burden in the
County.
The program seeks to improve health outcomes for HIV, TB,
Malaria and maternal and child health using an integrated
community health approach in Rangwe Sub-county.
Dr. Oteng’ said HIV is a disaster in Homa Bay County with a
prevalence of 23.5% while the prevalence rate in the Country
stands at 5.7%. “We therefore need to work with partners like Red
Cross and ADS Nyanza to help fight the disease burden,” said Dr.
Oteng’
“These health strategies will help improve the community systems.
This partnership is a big boost because it’s going to enlighten the
community and follow up on patients on care,” he added.