Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthoni Njuki has challenged the two levels of government to ensure Community Health Promoters have comprehensive insurance coverage.
Njuki who is also the Council of Governors Health Committee chairperson on Monday said the CHPs will play a key role in reducing the disease burden in the country.
He said there's a need to ensure their stipends are paid alongside a fully paid National Health Insurance Fund cover.
Njuki spoke at Uhuru Park during the official flag-off of CHPs kits to counties.
Njuki further noted that the unveiling of CHPs comes at a critical time when the country faces a possible El Nino threat as predicted by experts.
“The proposed four bills will ensure we have uniformity in Kenya since all CHPs will operate under the same standard so no Kenyan will be left behind,” Njuki said.
“They will play a critical role in El Nino season because we know it comes with the spread of diseases so we require them to upscale their services to deal with the disease burden,” he added.
Last week, the Ministry of Health announced it will be working with counties and various partners to ensure health services are not disrupted should the predicted El Niño rains pound the country.
In the ministry’s Comprehensive Contingency Plan for El Niño unveiled on Thursday, they want to ensure stockpiles of emergency response health supplies and materials are readily available.
In addition, the focus is on establishing temporary health facilities in areas prone to flooding.
Temporary facilities will also be established in areas where facilities may become inaccessible due to floods.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni further said the ministry will ensure health facilities are well-stocked ahead of the rains to prevent supply shortages.
The National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre will also be activated and operational, issuing early warning signs and alerts.
