LOROPIO, TURKANA — The County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Community Health Services (CHS) as a cornerstone of primary healthcare in a move aimed at improving the delivery of health services across the county.
The commitment was announced during the Community Health Officers and Assistants Meeting held in Loropio, which brought together participants from across the county to share experiences and identify practical strategies for enhancing community health outcomes.
Speaking at the meeting, Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Services, Dr. Joseph Epem, described Community Health Services as the foundation of the county’s health system, noting that they generate vital data that guides planning, budgeting and informed decision-making.
Dr. Epem urged community health personnel to take a leading role in promoting registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), emphasizing that registration numbers influence the allocation of resources for primary healthcare services.
He further revealed that the Department of Health is developing a mechanism to recognize and motivate facility units based on their contribution to SHA registration as part of efforts to strengthen community-level health services.
The CECM also reaffirmed the county’s commitment to working closely with the Universal Health Coverage workforce, now fully integrated into the devolved health system, to enhance coordination and improve service delivery.
The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to identify challenges affecting community health services, exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration toward better health outcomes.
Dr. Epem welcomed the initiative and encouraged it to become an annual platform for reviewing progress and setting priorities for strengthening Community Health Services across the county.
