USAID, through its Dumisha Afya initiative, has donated medical and non-medical equipment valued at Sh59 million. The donation, received by Bungoma County health officials at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital, is aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving the quality of healthcare in the region.
The donation includes vital tools such as 726 Samsung Galaxy tablets, HP ProBooks, desktop computers, adult and pediatric weighing scales, office furniture, solar panels, and other medical and non-pharmaceutical supplies. This contribution comes at a critical time, as healthcare systems across the country continue to face challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Improving Healthcare in Bungoma County
Carolyne Makali, Bungoma’s County Executive for Health and Sanitation Services, expressed gratitude for the donation and highlighted its significance in improving service delivery. She noted that the resources would ease the burden on healthcare professionals, ultimately enabling them to provide better care to patients.
“These resources will significantly enhance the quality of care we provide to our clients. The equipment will reduce the strain on our healthcare workers and improve overall service delivery in the county,” Makali said during the handover ceremony.
One of the key aspects of the donation is its focus on digitalizing and enhancing the connectivity of healthcare facilities across Bungoma County. The introduction of modern equipment such as tablets and computers will enable better record-keeping, more efficient patient management, and quicker communication between facilities.
Supporting HIV/AIDS Care and Vulnerable Populations
The Dumisha Afya initiative is a key component of USAID’s efforts to improve healthcare in Kenya. It is part of the larger Kenya Health Partnership for Quality (KHPQ) program, which supports the government’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and provide comprehensive healthcare services to vulnerable populations.
The initiative, which started in April 2022, focuses on ensuring equitable access to quality primary healthcare services, particularly for children and adolescents impacted by HIV/AIDS. It is managed by the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, one of Kenya’s leading medical institutions.
Makali underscored the importance of the partnership with USAID’s Dumisha Afya initiative, stating that the program aligns with the county’s health priorities, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations affected by HIV/AIDS.
Strengthening Healthcare Capacity
In addition to providing medical equipment, the Dumisha Afya initiative has played a significant role in bolstering the human resource capacity in Bungoma County. The program has supported the employment of over 200 healthcare workers, helping to address the chronic shortage of medical staff in the region.
Dr. Magrina Mayama, Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Services, acknowledged the impact of Dumisha Afya’s support in addressing Bungoma’s healthcare workforce challenges. She emphasized that the additional personnel would ensure that patients receive timely and efficient care, reducing the need for them to travel long distances in search of specialized services.
“The donation and continued support from Dumisha Afya have been crucial in expanding our healthcare workforce. This not only strengthens our healthcare system but also ensures that people in remote areas can access the medical services they need without having to travel far,” Mayama said.
The donation is expected to be distributed across various health facilities in the county, ensuring that both urban and rural areas benefit from the upgraded infrastructure. Bungoma County has more than 100 healthcare facilities serving its population, and the distribution of the equipment will help bridge the healthcare access gap in these facilities.
Enhanced Capacity Building and Governance
Dumisha Afya has also invested in capacity-building programs for healthcare workers in Bungoma. This includes training on governance, management, and service delivery, which is essential for improving the overall performance of healthcare facilities.
Dr. Everline Ashiono, Dumisha Afya’s Chief of Party, reiterated the initiative’s commitment to strengthening Bungoma’s healthcare system. She praised the county’s healthcare workers for their dedication and pledged continued support in providing resources and training to further enhance healthcare services.
“We are pleased to partner with Bungoma County to ensure that our clients receive quality healthcare. Through this donation, we are confident that healthcare services will improve, and the burden on healthcare workers will be reduced,” Dr. Ashiono said.
She also noted that the partnership had previously provided solar equipment to 15 health facilities in Bungoma, significantly improving their operations by ensuring a reliable power supply, even in off-grid areas.
Looking Ahead
The donation from USAID’s Dumisha Afya initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on Bungoma’s healthcare system. The modern equipment will not only enhance the delivery of services but also improve patient outcomes, especially for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
The continued partnership between Bungoma County and USAID holds the promise of further advancements in healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and service delivery. As Bungoma County continues to build its capacity to provide quality healthcare to its residents, this latest donation marks a significant step towards achieving that goal.
With the support of initiatives like Dumisha Afya, Bungoma is well on its way to creating a more resilient and effective healthcare system that can meet the needs of its growing population.
