Community Health

Nakuru,

Thursday, September 21, 2023

KNA by Veronica Bosibori

The Nakuru County Department of Health is making great strides in improving community health services across the County, with a focus on Primary Healthcare, in order to reduce the high cost of treatment.

The Department today held its first quarter community health services review forum to analyze the data collected over the past 3 months. This review according to the County Community Health Strategy Focal Person, Ritah Ochola is a crucial step in implementing the County community health models, as it allows for informed decisions based on the data.

Ms. Ochola noted that focus on community health leads to improved overall public health because when the community is healthy, there are fewer outbreaks of diseases, lower mortality rates, and a higher quality of life for residents. 

Additionally, she said community health programs can effectively prevent the spread of diseases. This includes not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable ailments like heart disease and diabetes through health education and promotion of healthy lifestyles.

More importantly, she observed that a healthier community can reduce the burden on the healthcare system since fewer people might need medical treatment for preventable illnesses. And, which can ultimately lead to cost savings for both individuals and the county.

Moreover, Ochola said when communities are healthy they make a better workforce that ultimately benefits the local economy and reduces the dependency on social support from governments and better-off relatives.

She emphasized that community health initiatives can address health disparities and promote equity. Hence ensuring that everyone in the county has access to healthcare services and health education regardless of their socioeconomic status, which ensures social justice for all humanity.

Apart from that, she said strong community health programs can be instrumental in emergency preparedness and response. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a disease outbreak, well-organized and informed communities save lives.

Finally, she noted that a focus on community health can contribute to long-term sustainability, and healthy communities are better equipped to address environmental challenges, such as pollution or climate change, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Ochola commended USAID for their support, which has enabled the county to effectively introduce the use of the Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) for reporting community services.

Courtesy; KNA