Ngilu launches Afya Halisi Program
Kitui: Governor Charity Ngilu has officially launched the
Afya Halisi programme which will support four counties in the
reduction of preventable maternal, new born and child deaths.
The USAID funded 5-year project programme will support the county governments
of Kitui, Kisumu, Kakamega and Migori in accelerating the reduction of preventable mortality by
strengthening the health capacity and systems at county levels.
Dubbed “Boresha Afya Ya Jamii”, the programme will have helped the
four counties to achieve an increased availability and use of quality health services for all residents by
2022.
Speaking when she launched the programme at Zombe Stadium in
Kitui East Tuesday, Governor Ngilu said the programme resonates
line with her five pillar manifesto for Kitui county and added “ it key in the
realization of my health agenda for Kitui people”
She said the launch of the Afya Halisi was happening at an
ideal moment when her administration was set to launch the Kitui County
health insurance cover (K-CHIC) through which Kitui residents will enjoy
affordable medical services in all the county’s public facilities.
“I promised Kitui people affordable healthcare and my government will
deliver that pledge through which women and children will be treated
for free” she declared.
At the same time, she divulged her administration’s plans to enhance
supply of piped water in rural homes besides improving the status of
rural health facilities through supply of health equipment and
medicines.
Kitui East MP and host Nimrod Mbai said the programme was welcome in
the county adding “it will help bridge the huge gap existing in the
delivery of healthcare in Kitui East alongside other neighbouring
constituencies”
He further reiterated his support for governor Charity Ngilu as she
rolls out various development projects in Kitui East dismissing claims
that he did not see eye to eye with the county boss.
“All of us are supportive of governor Ngilu’s government and we shall
walk together with her towards realization of her agenda for Kitui
people” he declared.
The Afya Halisi programme will also support in the delivery of quality
reproductive health, family planning, nutrition, water and sanitation
services and will be implemented by JHPIEGO, a global reproduction
health organization associated with the John Hopkins University.
The project will also focus on adolescent and young people’s sexual
and reproductive health.
“Our aim is to do all we can to ensure a healthy start for all mothers
and newborns as well as ensure our youth are healthy and in school”
JHPIEGO country director Mildred Mudany said during the launch.
USAID country director John Bernon said the programme calls for strong
capacity within the health system and key actions that provide the
link between the care of the mother and the child at the critical
moment of birth.
“Through this programme, we shall help women together with their
children live a happier and more productive lives” he said
Other partners in the programme are Population Services Kenya (PSK),
Save the Children as well as the County governments of Kitui, Kisumu,
Kakamega and Migori.
Other leaders who attended Tuesday’s launch include deputy governors
Dr. Wathe Nzau (Kitui) Dr. Mathew Owili (Kisumu) Nelson Mahaga
(Migori) Kitui County commissioner Samuel Kimiti and close to a dozen
members of the Kitui county assembly
