Country Voices

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal functioning of healthcare systems, compelling governments worldwide to develop innovative and strategic ways of combating the disease and ensuring that the healthcare systems, which were already facing a shortage of health workers and supplies, were not overwhelmed. As governments initiated a multi-sectoral approach to the fight … [Read more...] about Role of community health volunteers in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

“Serving my community is the most fulfilling work I have done so far. It comes with challenges, especially in my area due to the shortage of community health volunteers. Still, we are managing well so far,” says Euridice Njagi, a community health worker (CHV) in Gatua Community Health Unit, Tharaka Nithi County. Euridice covers 324 households instead of the … [Read more...] about A story of Euridice Njagi, a community health volunteer from Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Kenya developed its first primary health care approach in 1980, but it was primarily focused on secondary care with minimal focus on community-level participation. An evaluation of the Kenya Health Policy Framework in 2004 showed an overall decline in health-related indicators despite increased funding to the health sector. This led to the development of the community health … [Read more...] about Kenya’s Makueni County to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector and faith-based organizations in the provision of community health services

County assemblies in Kenya, like other legislative bodies, carries out some of their work through committees. The committees of the county assembly are provided for in the Kenyan Constitution and the County Governments Act.  They have the following functions: We spoke to the Makueni County Assembly Health Committee chair, Mr. Jackson Mbalu, to learn about his … [Read more...] about Political leadership plays a key role in strengthening healthcare policy: A success story of Makueni County

Experience of Mercy, a Community Health Assistant in Makueni County, Kenya   Community health units (CHUs) serve as the first level of health service delivery in the Kenya health structure. Within the units, there exists a community health workforce that consists of community health volunteers (CHVs) that are governed by community health committees (CHCs) … [Read more...] about Determined to break the cycle of what she has been through