Laikipia shine on universal health coverage, as state seek partnership

 By The Mountain Journal team

Despite the up and down, Laikipia has won praise over its health management style.

 The County Government Universal Health Coverage Model  has  been admired by  Ministry of Health  a move that has forced many visits to learn on how it has been implemented.

 Governor Ndiritu Muriithi the man behind the UHC

 Off late Dr Pacifica Onyancha, a director at the directorate of Preventive and Promotive Health  visited on a fact finding mission  saying the Ministry  will partner Laikipia County in implementation of the UHC Model.

The model focuses mostly on increased investment in promotive and primary health institutions with community health volunteers playing a key role.

This model goes against the traditional model where a lot of health investment happens at the top level institutions at the expense of those at the primary level.

Onyancha said that CHVs have a critical role in the success of the UHC since they provide the link between the government and the community.

The directorate will support the training of CHVs at a cost of Sh 42 million per year,she said during a Cervical Cancer Awareness Week in Nanyuki’s Central Park.

“Laikipia is a health-oriented county. No wonder it is the leading county on NHIF enrollment. I appreciate Governor Ndiritu Muriithi for having given health a priority in his manifesto which is ensuring health coverage for Laikipians,” said Dr. Onyancha.  

She applauded the county for the successful implementation of the UHC model with 67% of the residents having enrolled in NHIF cover.

The ministry of health, she added will  partner with the county government to achieve full coverage.

To ensure the success of the project initiated by the Governor, the  community health workers were provided with screening equipment and motorbikes.

One does not need to go to the referral hospitals for the basic screening but only needs to visit the nearby dispensary. primary health care.

 She observed that to eradicate the cervical cancer, and generally all cancers, there is a need for early detection before the condition spreads beyond treatment levels. “This will save many families the high cost of treatment which can be avoided by early interventions,” she said.

 A month ago, County Secretary Karanja Njora said the health  workers in the county  are a dedicated team that has enabled the successful  transformation of the programme targeting the poor in the villages.

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