Kitui County has taken a significant step towards improving the healthcare and well-being of its communities, Kitui County Governor Dr. Julius Malombe welcomed a delegation from the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) at his office for a courtesy call.
The fruitful meeting, led by Dr. James Kisia, Country Director of CMMB, highlighted the remarkable progress made in various aspects of community health and healthcare infrastructure in Kitui County.
Key discussions during the meeting revolved around community health system strengthening, water sanitation and hygiene initiatives, and health facility system enhancements. These efforts have collectively contributed to uplifting the health status of Kitui’s residents.
Governor Malombe commended the strong partnership between the County Government of Kitui and CMMB, emphasizing his administration’s unwavering commitment to sustaining this collaboration as it expands to other regions.
He emphasized the importance of homegrown solutions in addressing the existing gaps in the health system and expressed his gratitude to CMMB for providing hands-on training for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Kitui.
One significant milestone of this partnership is the introduction of telemedicine, which includes the installation of teleconference facilities in 16 Level IV facilities, consisting of 2 mission hospitals and 14 Level IV hospitals.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access and connect remote areas with medical expertise. Furthermore, the process of acquiring essential telemedicine software is currently underway.
The healthcare infrastructure in Kitui County is also witnessing notable developments, including the construction of a cancer center at Kitui County Referral Hospital. Plans are underway to equip this center, which will play a crucial role in improving cancer care and treatment in the region.
The tangible impact of these initiatives is evident in Kitui South, where home deliveries have decreased by 33%, and access to skilled birth attendance has significantly improved from 29.7% to an impressive 75.4%. Additionally, antenatal care coverage has risen from 30% to 64%, reflecting improved maternal and child health services in the area.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani, Chief Executive Committee Members (CECMs) Ruth Koki and Gitonga Nkunda, and Chief Officers from the County Ministry of Health. Mr. Dick Day, the CMMB US Senior Vice President, and Yombo Tanzoano from CMMB US, were also present, reaffirming the dedication and collaborative spirit behind this partnership.
The partnership between Kitui County and CMMB represents a powerful example of how public and private organizations can work together to create positive change in the healthcare sector.
It not only strengthens the local health systems but also brings vital medical services to those in need, ultimately improving the lives of Kitui’s residents. As this partnership continues to grow and expand, it holds the promise of a healthier and brighter future for the people of Kitui County.
