On January 27, 2025, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, visited Murang’a County to oversee the ongoing training of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) on the basic health module. The training focused on the CHPs’ role in community health services and their connection to care, ranging from households to tertiary health facilities. The visit highlighted the county’s significant strides in improving healthcare through collaboration between the National Government, County Government, the Church, the community, and development partners.
Murang’a County is home to a dedicated team of 2,090 CHPs, who have played a pivotal role in enhancing health outcomes in the region. These health promoters have been instrumental in reaching households with essential health services, which has led to impressive achievements in health screenings and referrals. Through the use of the Electronic Community Health Information System (E-CHIS), the CHPs have successfully registered 151,000 households, with 126,000 revisited for routine health services.
The E-CHIS system has been an essential tool in tracking and managing health data, enabling the CHPs to provide timely and accurate health services. The system has allowed health promoters to efficiently monitor the health status of the community and ensure that those in need of further care are referred to appropriate healthcare facilities. This innovative approach has brought health services closer to the people, making it easier for residents to access care without having to travel long distances.
During her visit, PS Muthoni acknowledged the remarkable achievements of the CHPs in Murang’a County. She highlighted several key accomplishments that have had a significant impact on public health:
- The CHPs have screened 174,000 individuals for diabetes, identifying those at risk and referring 2,460 for further care.
- They have screened 141,000 people for hypertension, with 11,900 referred for additional management and treatment.
- The CHPs have identified 1,760 pregnant women and referred 551 for antenatal care, ensuring that expectant mothers receive the necessary medical attention during pregnancy.
- They have also assessed 19,600 children under the age of five for common illnesses such as malnutrition, diarrhea, and malaria, ensuring that children receive timely treatment and care.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the CHPs, who have been at the forefront of improving health outcomes in the county. The success of the program can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the National Government, County Government, the Church, the community, and development partners. This collaboration has been crucial in advancing the vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.
Universal Health Coverage is a key priority for the Kenyan government, and Murang’a County serves as an example of how UHC can be achieved through community-based healthcare initiatives. By empowering CHPs and utilizing technology like E-CHIS, the county has been able to bring essential health services to the doorsteps of households, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better health.
PS Muthoni praised the dedication of the CHPs, emphasizing that their work is transforming healthcare delivery in Murang’a. She noted that the commitment of these health promoters, combined with innovative tools like E-CHIS, is helping to bridge the gap between communities and healthcare services. This approach aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring that every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.
The collaboration between the National Government, County Government, and development partners has been instrumental in supporting the CHPs and ensuring that they have the resources and training needed to carry out their work effectively. This partnership has allowed the county to implement a comprehensive healthcare strategy that addresses the needs of the population, from prevention and screening to treatment and follow-up care.
The success of the community health program in Murang’a County is a clear indication that with the right support and resources, community-based healthcare can make a significant impact on public health. By focusing on prevention, early detection, and referral to appropriate care, the CHPs have helped to reduce the burden of disease in the county and improve overall health outcomes.
The role of development partners in this success cannot be overstated. Their support has been crucial in providing funding, technical assistance, and expertise to strengthen the healthcare system in Murang’a. Through their contributions, the county has been able to implement innovative solutions that have had a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the population.
In her remarks, PS Muthoni expressed her appreciation for the collective efforts that have led to the success of the community health program in Murang’a. She emphasized that this model of collaboration should be replicated in other counties to ensure that all Kenyans have access to the healthcare services they need. She also reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving health outcomes for all citizens.
The visit to Murang’a County was a reminder of the importance of community-based healthcare and the role of CHPs in improving health outcomes. By working together, the National Government, County Government, the Church, the community, and development partners can continue to make progress toward achieving UHC and ensuring that all Kenyans have access to the healthcare they deserve.
The success of the community health program in Murang’a is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming healthcare delivery. With continued support and investment in community health initiatives, Kenya can move closer to achieving its goal of Universal Health Coverage and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
