NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 20 – Over one million households across ten counties in the country have been visited by Community Health Promoters, who have provided essential services and collected vital data for the Afyan Nyumbani program.
President William Ruto who made the announcement during the 60th Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Kericho Green Stadium on Friday said this marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
This comprehensive initiative plays a pivotal role in planning, resource allocation, and monitoring progress toward the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Ruto emphasized the importance of community health data, stating, “Over one million households in ten counties have been visited by community health promoters, offered services, and their data captured in the Afyan Nyumbani dashboard. This is a major achievement.”
The Kenyan government is committed to advancing the digital health agenda, commencing at the community level. Electronic Community Health Information Systems (e-CHIS) are being utilized by health promoters throughout the nation. This user-friendly mobile health application facilitates real-time data collection at the household level, aids in health service delivery planning, and establishes connections to health facilities.
In addition to providing Community Health Promoters (CHP) kits, the government has equipped 110,000 health promoters and Community Health Assistants with smartphones to support their work.
As part of the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), President Ruto flagged off eight medicine trucks destined for counties across various regions in Kenya.
President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare services to all Kenyans. He emphasized that primary healthcare services at the community level would begin with community health promoters, who are tasked with preventive and promotive health, health education, basic first aid for minor injuries and ailments at the household level, as well as facilitating referrals for facility-based healthcare.
Kenya Kwanza government has identified healthcare delivery as one of the core pillars of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda and has made significant commitments to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Ruto’s recent assent to four healthcare bills—the Social Health Insurance Bill, Digital Health Bill, Facility Improvement Bill, and Primary Health Care Bill—marks a major stride towards accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all. “This strategic move is aimed at achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) in the country, bringing us closer to a healthier and more equitable future,” stated President Ruto.
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