Nakuru County Governor, H.E. Susan Kihika, hosted Dr. Atul Gawande, the Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID, to discuss the advancements in Primary Healthcare in Nakuru County. The meeting focused on strengthening the capacity and service delivery of Levels 1, 2, and 3 hospitals to establish a robust foundation for healthcare provision in Nakuru.
Governor Kihika emphasized key areas such as the training of health workers, financing of health facilities, and collaboration with development partners to enhance health services in the county. She highlighted the commitment of her government, dedicating 40 per cent of the County budget to health, and underscored the importance of partnerships with agencies like USAID for healthcare financing.
The rollout of the primary healthcare network, which commenced in Bahati Sub-County, was a key topic of discussion. Governor Kihika revealed plans to extend this network throughout the entire county. Dr. Gawande commended the progress, especially in the digitization of healthcare information, noting that electronic systems enable the tracing of ailments and their development in patients.
Dr. Gawande highlighted a positive trend, noting a reduction in the percentage of deaths from 60 to 40 in Nakuru County. He pledged support to Governor Kihika’s administration to further enhance primary healthcare in the region.
The meeting was attended by County Secretary Samuel Mwaura, Health CEC Roselyne Mungai, Chief of Staff Peter Ketienya, Public Health Chief Officer Alice Abuki, USAID Deputy Mission Director Bert Ubamadu, USAID Health Director John Kuehnle, and other officials. The collaborative efforts between Nakuru County and USAID aim to strengthen the healthcare system and improve the overall well-being of the community.
