KENYA – Safaricom Foundation, through its Ndoto Zetu and Pamoja Scheme initiatives, is set to upgrade four health centres in Western Kenya.
The health centres include Tongaren Modern Health Centre in Bungoma, Osani Health Centre in Homa Bay, Masita Dispensary in Siaya and Oyani Dispensary in Migori.
They received medical equipment to better handle medical emergencies and reduce referrals for local residents.
Safaricom Foundation has also equipped four health centres in Uasin Gishu and Taita Taveta counties in a bid to boost the delivery of Maternal and Neo-Natal health care.
In Uasin Gishu County, Chepkero Dispensary received hospital beds to increase its capacity for in-patient maternal health services.
In Taita Taveta County, Ghazi Dispensary in Voi, Wesu sub-County Hospital and Werugha Health Centre in Wundanyi received modern delivery beds and pre-natal equipment, which will bring maternity services closer to the community.
The pre-natal units were equipped with incubators, heaters and phototherapy units to provide medical support to preterm infants.
“Health is a major priority of the Ndoto Zetu initiative, which aims to empower communities. We have now started commissioning health projects in this latest phase in response to the proposals we received from Kenyans,” said Joe Ogutu, Chairman, Safaricom Foundation.
“Maternal health is a key area where we need to boost the capacities of facilities and health workers to improve service delivery. Our long-term vision as a Foundation is to reduce maternal and infant mortality to near zero.”
The investment in the projects has ensured that the health centres are well-equipped to handle medical emergencies.
Safaricom Foundation launched the first Ndoto Zetu Phase 4 project at Bar Sauri Health Centre in Siaya County where it funded the installation of solar panels and donated an ultrasound machine.
Through the donations, the Foundation seeks to improve safe and quality maternity services to at least 40 mothers per month.
The ultrasound machine will enable the medical staff to diagnose, detect and identify possible pregnancy risks and reduce the need for mothers to travel to other hospitals for the service.
The solar panels will ensure that the health centre has constant supply of electricity and can store medicines, especially vaccines at the recommended temperature.
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