Government issues smartphones to over 700 community health promoters in Isiolo

More than 700 Community Health Promoters from Isiolo County today received smartphones to enhance their work. The distribution exercise was led by Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S. Wafula, who was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mithika Linturi and Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Florence Bore.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health stated that the smartphones would assist Community Health Promoters in making significant achievements in the Community Health Information System. "We are trying to do away with paperwork so that every person’s details are well captured and for easy checking of the progress of the patient," said the Cabinet Secretary.

She emphasized that the government was keen on ensuring health services are available, accessible, and affordable to every Kenyan. She announced that an additional 12,000 households would benefit from 25,000 Insecticidal Mosquito Nets (LLINs) to support hundreds of families affected by flash floods in the area.

The Cabinet Secretaries also visited the Ngaremara area, where they distributed relief food supplies to the elderly and those affected by flash floods. Vulnerable families received beans, corn soya, rice, and mosquito nets from the National Government. Additionally, hundreds of families will benefit from the £37 million Hunger Safety Net Program, a cash transfer to support the elderly, people living with disabilities, orphans, and other vulnerable groups.

Present at the event were Deputy Governor James Lowasa, County Secretary Dadhe Boru, CECs, and Chief Officers. Dr. Lowasa commended the Cabinet Secretary for Health, stating that the donations would go a long way in helping the needy. He urged the Cabinet Secretary to expedite the process of upgrading Isiolo Referral Hospital to a Level 5 status. He also appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to intervene in addressing food security in Isiolo through its agriculture drive program to empower youth and women.