The Ministry of Health has organised various activities leading to Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kericho, which will be anchored on Universal Health Coverage, a key pillar in the Bottom-up Transformation Agenda.

According to Executive Committee for Health Brenda Bii (pictured), one of the activities leading up to the celebrations will be the launch of Primary Health Care Networks systems that link facility-based health services to the community.

Speaking during a sensitisation forum at the weekend, Bii said a week-long medical camp will also be held starting today to October 18 in all the six sub-counties, where residents will benefit from various medical checks and consultations with health experts.

Some of the services that will be provided include screening for breast and cervical cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, immunisations, deworming, family planning, treatment of minor illnesses, HIV testing, blood drive and referral where necessary.

Residents of Kipkelion West sub-county have been urged to visit Kasheen chief’s camp on October 9 while Ainamoi sub-county residents can visit Ketepa camp and Ainamoi centre  on October 10.

At the same time, Bureti sub-county residents will have a chance to access the medical camp at Kapkatet Stadium on 11 while residents of Soin/Sigowet can get screened at Chepkemel Health Centre on October 12.

Last day

Equally, the medical camp will be available in Belgut on October 16 at Sosiot Stadium, while Kipkelion East residents will be screened at Londiani town on October 17.

 On the other hand, Kericho town residents will benefit on October 18 at Moi Gardens, which will be the last day of the medical camps.  Meanwhile, the ministry will also hold a four-day medical expo from October 16 to 19 at Kapkatet Stadium involving both public and private industry players, to showcase medical services and products as well as technological innovations in the health sector.

According to Bii, on the first day of the medical expo, the theme will focus on Primary Health Care (PHC), which is essential health care made accessible, acceptable and affordable through full participation of individuals, families and communities.

PHC packages include promotive health education, preventive package comprising screening, immunisation and monitoring. Others include ambulance and emergency response, acute ambulatory care, palliative care and rehabilitative care.

 On the second day, the theme will focus on health information systems, digitisation and innovation, which is basically leveraging technology to reach the unreached.

On the third, the theme will focus on human resource for health, while the fourth day the theme will revolve around healthcare financing and showcasing innovative health financing models for increased domestic resource for health.