Two non-governmental organisations have launched a health programme to fight against nine non-communicable diseases in Homa Bay.
Christian Association of Kenya (CHAK) and Novartis in partnership with Kendu Adventist Mission Hospital, have started the Integrated Healthy Family Programme (Familia Nawiri) to help with early diagnosis and treatment.
The programme targets thousands of people living in villages.
The programme targets diseases such as sickle cell, breast cancer, diabetes, heart failure, epilepsy, hypertension, pneumonia, malaria and eye problems.
CHAK general secretary Samuel Mwenda, Novartis Cluster head Anthony Mwangi, Kendu Adventist Mission Hospital CEO George Opundo and Homa Bay government health officer in charge of referral George Bola launched the programme in Karachuonyo constituency on Friday.
Opundo said they are working with community health workers who will be diagnosing residents, and those suffering from any of these diseases will be referred to Kendu Adventist Mission Hospital.
He said non-communicable diseases have claimed the lives of many people as they go for diagnosis when it is too late.
“Early diagnosis of communicable diseases is the best way of getting treatment. Community health workers will ensure people who are suffering in villages are brought for medication at the right time,” Opundo said.
Mwangi said the hospital will have the requisite equipment and affordable drugs.
“We don’t want patients to be travelling from upcountry to hospitals in major towns in search of medication for these diseases,” he said.
“The purpose of this programme is to enable people living in villages to access medical services for these complicated diseases which have claimed many lives.”
Mwenda said they are going to implement the programme in 12 mission hospitals across the country.
The hospitals include Tenwek in Bomet, AIC Kijabe in Kiambu, Maua Methodist in Meru, PCEA Chogoria in Tharaka Nithi, PCEA Tumutumu in Nyeri, Sabatia Eye in Vihiga, AIC Litein in Kericho, Lugulu Friends in Bungoma, PCEA Kikuyu in Kiambu, Sagam in Siaya and Jumuia Kaimosi in Vihiga.
Bola said the programme will enable Homa Bay government to reduce the burden of diseases.
“For example, Gendia is known for proper medication of sickle cell. This programme is going to help us in referral of patients,” he said.
Edited by A.N
