𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑮𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒌 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒅
More than 110 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Waitaluk Ward, Trans Nzoia County, have received new protective gear in an initiative aimed at strengthening primary health care delivery and boosting morale among frontline workers.
The distribution of gumboots, reflectors, and umbrellas was overseen by Waitaluk Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hon. Furaha Lusweti at Kibormos Dispensary.
Lusweti said the gear would make the CHPs’ work easier and underscored their vital role in preventive health care.
“CHPs are the backbone of primary health care in our communities, and their contribution cannot be overstated,” Lusweti told reporters during the handover. “This is one of the ways to make work easier for our CHPs.”
Lusweti also announced plans to table a Health Promoters Remuneration Bill in the County Assembly, aimed at improving pay for CHPs, who currently receive a monthly stipend of KSh 5,000 ($39).
“It’s unfair to expect CHPs to survive on such a meager amount, especially given the current economic climate,” he said.
“These individuals dedicate their time fully to community health and have little opportunity to engage in other income-generating activities.”
The MCA further disclosed plans to introduce a motion requiring the County Assembly’s Health and Sanitation Committee to carry out a fact-finding mission across all health facilities in Trans Nzoia. The findings will guide interventions to address systemic health care challenges.
“We need concrete solutions to what is ailing our health sector, both at the county and national levels,” he added.
Community Health Promoters welcomed the new gear but urged authorities to address broader welfare concerns.
“We appreciate the MCA’s support, but we need more action on our welfare,” said Catherine Chaggar, Secretary of the Waitaluk CHPs.
“The new SHA regulation requiring us to pay for a full year of insurance is a heavy burden. Many of us simply can’t afford it.”
CHPs also appealed for logistical support, including mobile data bundles and batteries, to improve reporting and reference work.
Mercy Magova, in charge of Kibormos Dispensary, echoed the call for more resources, noting that the rising patient load is straining facilities.
“We’re seeing progress, but the rising number of patients demands more resources,” Magova said. “We urgently need a laboratory and maternity wing to reduce the long distances patients travel for these services.”
Governor George Natembeya’s administration has been credited with ongoing efforts to improve county health infrastructure, but CHPs say more comprehensive measures are needed to sustain primary health care delivery.
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