Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has said her administration will work with Community Health Volunteers (CHV) to enhance healthcare accessibility in the county.
The CHVs offer preventive health services in villages in remote areas and estates in urban parts of the county.
Homa Bay has recruited more than 2,500 CHVs. The CHVs see the patients at the community level and refer cases that require advanced medical attention to health facilities in the county.
The health workers also sensitise the locals on issues such as prevention of diseases such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, TB, malaria, cholera and other communicable diseases.
Wanga said her administration considers the CHVs as the first line of defence against diseases in the county.
Speaking when she presided over the distribution of comprehensive medical kits to the CHVs in Homa Bay, Wanga said her administration will continue to build the capacity of the volunteers to enable them to offer services to the community.
"The CHVs play a significant role in our endeavour to prevent the spread of preventable diseases in the county. We will continue to build their capacity to enable them to discharge their duties better," Wanga said.
The medical kits contain different medical equipment for diagnosing various diseases before referral services take place.
Monthly stipend
The county currently pays the CHVS a Sh 2,500 monthly stipend.
Wanga said the county still grapples with a high disease burden, hence the need for the community to have information on how to prevent some of the diseases.
"We need the community to be aware of measures for preventing various diseases to enable us to achieve our dream of keeping diseases at bay. This will be achieved through proper engagement between the CHVs and the community," she added.
She told the CHVs to discharge their duties diligently.
"Let our CHVs ensure all expectant mothers deliver in health facilities to reduce maternal and infant mortality in our county," she said.
Homa Bay has one of the worst health burdens.
