The Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium intends to partner with the Vihiga government to boost primary healthcare services.
The executive director of the consortium’s board Prof Fred Were said their main focus is promotion of reproductive, maternal and neonatal care.
Also, child, adolescent health and nutrition aimed at lowering child and maternal mortality.
Were, who led his team on the tour of the county on Monday, said he is satisfied with the data collection system in the health department.
He said the records will play a pivotal role in addressing various health concerns.
The team also commended the use of the Community Health Volunteers for data collection at the grass root level and identification of patients who needed referrals.
Governor Wilber Ottichilo said the CHVs ensure expectant women are referred to the nearby health facilities to avoid unskilled deliveries.
He said his administration initiated the maternal and child healthcare promotion dubbed Ottichilo Care three years ago, which has significantly reduced the child and maternal mortality rates in the county.
Ottichilo promised to use the existing data in the health department to plan and address the existing gaps.
The governor also showed the visitors the county's modern Geographic Information System laboratory, which helps in data collection and storage.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
