KENYA — In a concerted effort to enhance healthcare delivery across Kenya, the government has taken a proactive step by procuring essential medical kits for use by community health promoters.

These kits, equipped with modern medical equipment, are set to bolster the nation’s primary healthcare services.

Medical Services Principal Secretary, Harry Kimtai, made the announcement during the Maisha conference in Mombasa.

He emphasized that equipping health promoters forms a pivotal part of the government’s ongoing commitment to enhance healthcare service delivery.

The medical kits, which include glucometers, thermometers, weighing scales, and sphygmomanometers, are intended for use by community health promoters.

These promoters will be recruited through a collaborative effort between the national government and county governments, with each promoter responsible for overseeing the health of 100 households.

They will be equipped with modern medical equipment and deployed within communities across Kenya.

The role of community health workers (CHWs)

In Kenya, Community Health Workers (CHWs) undergo comprehensive training to provide a wide range of healthcare services.

This includes offering prenatal care, immunization, nutrition education, and treating common illnesses. CHWs also work closely with communities to identify health needs, provide health education, and refer individuals to healthcare facilities when specialized care is required.

Moreover, they play a crucial role in monitoring community health and promptly reporting disease outbreaks to relevant health authorities.

One significant advantage of CHWs is their deep connection to the communities they serve. This familiarity with local culture, values, and beliefs helps build trust, enabling them to provide culturally appropriate services.

Additionally, CHWs can reach remote and underserved areas where formal healthcare services may be scarce, making them an essential element of the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach.

Government’s Vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

The move to equip health promoters aligns with President William Ruto’s vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of Kenya’s broader healthcare strategy.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by community health volunteers in healthcare delivery, President Ruto highlighted the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare measures. This approach acknowledges that health promotion is a devolved function of the government.

Health Promoters will also play a crucial role in assisting individuals with chronic conditions in managing their medications, diets, and overall well-being, aiming to minimize the need for hospitalization.

Efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) in Kenya

Kenya has made Universal Health Coverage (UHC) a top priority for both national and county governments.

The overarching goal is to ensure that every Kenyan has equitable access to safe, quality, and affordable healthcare services by 2030.

The country initiated its UHC program in 2018, focusing on four sub-national governments: Machakos, Isiolo, Nyeri, and Kisumu counties.

Nyeri County, one of the pilot counties, has taken significant strides in achieving its UHC objectives. While facing a high burden of non-communicable diseases, the county has made remarkable progress in maternal and infant mortality rates, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 targets.

Investing in Community Health Workers

To advance Primary Health Care goals and objectives, the Financing Alliance for Health (FAH) has partnered with counties like Nyeri.

FAH’s support has facilitated situational analyses and resource mobilization for community health services.

Investing in CHWs has proven to yield positive returns, with a return of US$10 for every dollar invested in sub-Saharan Africa.

This investment results in increased productivity, prevention of health crises, and economic benefits from employment, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Laikipia’s remarkable NHIF enrollment

Laikipia County has emerged as a leader in NHIF enrollment, with 64% of its population enrolled in the scheme as of 2020. This enrollment is a crucial step toward Universal Health Coverage.

Partnerships with NHIF have been vital in facilitating NHIF and UHC awareness and biometric registration, ensuring seamless service provision at accredited facilities.

In June 2021, community health volunteers (CHVs) played a pivotal role in sensitizing the community and increasing NHIF enrollment.

Additionally, CHVs conducted socioeconomic surveys to identify vulnerable populations and low socioeconomic households for support through the UHC initiative.

These efforts have led to a remarkable increase in NHIF membership, from 17% in 2017 to 64% in 2020.

CHWs continue to play a significant role in providing preventive and promotive services at the community level, contributing significantly to the county’s resilience against COVID-19 and reinforcing the health system’s resilience during the pandemic.

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