Nyamira County Government will be paying Community Health Volunteers to help them in their daily activities in the county, Governor Amos Nyaribo has said.
Nyaribo said the county recognises the efforts made by the community health volunteers in the fight against malaria and said the national government will give some resources to supplement the county government's input in the programme.
Nyaribo spoke during the World Malaria day celebrations in Nyamira County on Tuesday.
He said his administration has prioritised health issues but called for as the county grapples with a funding shortfall occasioned by delayed disbursement of funds by the national government resulting in challenges in implementation of services to the public.
Nyaribo expressed optimism that once they receive the funds, he will streamline the health sector as promised in his manifesto.
He thanked development partners who have supported in procurement of malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment commodities saying this has seen all malaria commodities provided free of charge to citizens.
"Thank you for your support in this journey, let's continue working towards strengthening areas such as early diagnosis, treatment and monitoring malaria so that we can eradicate it," the governor said.
The governor further requested for completion of projects promised by the National Government and provision of an ambulance for the newly built Keroka Referral Hospital.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health Services, Susan Nakhumicha also reiterated the need to achieve zero malaria cases in Nyamira Country by conducting prompt diagnosis and offering effective treatment, terming them a cornerstone of malaria control and elimination.
Nakhumicha asked governor Nyaribo to play his part in ensuring health services run smoothly for they will provide him with the necessary support.
"Make sure you equip your health facilities, hire qualified Community Health Promoters, invest in them to avoid unnecessary strikes so that we deliver better services to our people," she said.
The CS also emphasised the need to support the Bottom Up agenda of the Kenya Kwanza government saying as a middle class economy, Kenya needs to step up and innovate, invest and implement to improve the economy in the absence of donor funds.
Nakhumicha said President William Ruto is going to increase funds towards malaria prevention and eradication.
The National government is also keen to train the Community Health Volunteers who will be trained and attached to households within their communities to monitor health indicators.
