The county government of Bungoma has launched a programme to empower volunteer community health workers.
Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati made the announcement at a health stakeholders' meeting at Mabanga ATC the weekend. He said it is aimed at boosting the morale of the workers.
The county government is offering Sh1.8 million to 30 community units as seed fund. Each community unit will receive Sh60,000 that will be used to start income generating projects.
In addition, each of the 3,200 CHVs is set to start earning a stipend of Sh2,000 from this month. This initiative is for facilitating them as they support one of the key projects in Wangamati's campaign manifesto - primary healthcare.
Volunteers play a major role at the grassroots in offering health services and education to residents. They include medical outreach programmes like vaccinations, sensitisation and maternal healthcare (antenatal and postnatal services).
Wangamati said the sacrifices made by the volunteers has greatly improved healthcare. He said each one of them will be given a fully equipped first aid kits to help deliver even better services.
"The Bungoma government hopes to rely on you when it rolls out the Universal Health Care programme," Wangamati said.
Urged the team to be part of the Linda Mama Initiative and Blood Donation exercise which are chaperoned by the Office of the First Lady.
