On September 07, 2018, His Excellency Governor Cornel Rasanga officially opened renovated structures in nine health facilities in Siaya County. These renovations included both minor and major repair works to various HIV service delivery points such as the Comprehensive Care Centres (CCC’s), laboratories, HIV testing booths, among others.
“We are excited about the excellent facilities that we have seen and will be officially opening today. These facilities will go a long way in serving our people and I urge the county department of health, as well as the respective facility staff, to maintain these facilities for prolonged use by our people,” mentioned Governor Rasanga in his speech at the event.
Since the inception of HIV care and treatment services in the county by CHS in October 2016, the need for renovation works in some of the county hospitals was apparent. Facilities had leaking roofs, extensive damage to floors and walls, infestation by some rodents and insects, among other challenges.
With funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CHS was able to perform renovation works in nine health facilities and provide much-needed equipment and furniture, to a tune of about KES 190 million. This investment will go a long way in strengthening the health systems in this high HIV burdened county in the provision of quality health services to over 25,300 patients currently being served across the nine facilities.
The facilities that benefitted from these renovations included Ukwala Sub-County Hospital, Bondo Sub-County Hospital, Ambira Sub-County Hospital, Madiany Sub-County Hospital, Rera Health Centre, Mulaha Dispensary among others.
Speaking during the event, the County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Dorothy Owino was elated on this new milestone in the county.
“We are privileged to have a partner like CHS in this county. Our partnership has been strong and respectful; contributing to the provision of quality health services, and other dividends beyond what was initially intended,” she remarked.
In his speech, CHS CEO Dr Paul Wekesa reassured the county leadership of the organisation’s continued support and commitment in transforming the health, and consequently the lives of the people of Siaya.
“Today as we hand over these facilities: HTS booths, various equipment and furniture, we are aware of how strategic partnerships such as the one we are celebrating today between CHS, the County Government of Siaya and CDC can powerfully impact the health of our people. The CHS board commits to continue playing its role in ensuring that the resources entrusted to CHS are used in a transparent and efficient way,” mentioned Mr Coutts Otolo in his speech, on behalf of the other CHS board members.
Hon. Rasanga was accompanied by his Deputy Governor, County Executive Committee Members for Health, Public Works and Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture and Finance, as well as local MP’s, MCA’s and other dignitaries.
