- Vihiga County is improving healthcare access for all residents by ensuring medical services are available within a short distance, reducing the burden on patients who previously had to travel far for care.
- Health facilities across the county have been strengthened with essential medicines, equipment, and trained staff to guarantee uninterrupted and quality healthcare services for the community.
- The rollout of the HPV vaccine protects young girls against cervical cancer and promotes a culture of preventive healthcare, encouraging families and communities to prioritize early immunization and regular screenings.
Vihiga county has taken a major step towards strengthening its healthcare system with the delivery of medical supplies worth KSh. 34 million from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority. This significant boost comes alongside the official rollout of the single-dose Human Papillomavirus vaccine, signaling a renewed focus on accessible healthcare for all residents.
Medical Supplies to Strengthen Service Delivery
Governor Wilber Ottichilo announced that the consignment included pharmaceutical supplies valued at 30 million shillings and non-pharmaceutical supplies worth 4 million shillings. The supplies will be distributed across 75 health facilities in the county to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines and to improve readiness in delivering healthcare services. The governor described the delivery as a milestone in years of deliberate efforts to build a functional and responsive health system. He emphasized that the county now has the structures required to ensure smooth and effective healthcare delivery.
Bringing Healthcare Closer to the People
In line with global standards set by the World Health Organization, no patient should travel more than five kilometers to access medical care. Vihiga county has exceeded this benchmark by reducing the distance to three kilometers. Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for nurses at Emuhaya Hospital in Luanda Sub-County, Governor Ottichilo reaffirmed his commitment to decentralized healthcare. He said that dispensaries have been established across the county to ensure that no patient walks more than three kilometers to access medical services.
strengthening healthcare financing through social health authority
Governor Ottichilo urged residents to enroll with the Social Health Authority to access care without financial distress. Registration allows patients to visit their preferred health facility and receive care without depending on fundraising or contributions. Facility managers were encouraged to enroll more patients under SHA to generate income and reduce reliance on county budget allocations. Funds collected through SHA will be channeled back to the facilities under the Facility Improvement Fund Act, enhancing financial autonomy and sustainability in line with the County Integrated Development Plan’s focus on improved health financing.
Efficient use of resources and partnerships
The governor called on health facility managers to use the newly received supplies efficiently to achieve maximum impact. He stressed that facilities that manage their own resources effectively will ensure uninterrupted services even when county funds face delays. Governor Ottichilo expressed appreciation for Kemsa’s long-term partnership, noting that the collaboration has been guided by a Memorandum of Understanding since he assumed office. The supplies are expected to improve the availability of essential medicines, strengthen service delivery, and enhance equity across all sub-counties.
Protecting the Next Generation With HPV Vaccination
Vihiga county also launched the single-dose HPV vaccine targeting 10-year-old girls at Mbale Municipal Grounds. The vaccine protects against Human Papillomavirus infections, which cause nearly all cases of cervical cancer, the second most prevalent cancer among women in Kenya. The governor encouraged women to undergo regular cervical cancer screening and called upon parents, guardians, teachers, and community leaders to support vaccination efforts. The vaccine will be provided free of charge at all designated immunizing health facilities.
A Community-driven Healthcare Celebration
The launch event drew over 500 young girls and featured a colorful procession, panel discussions, keynote speeches, on-site vaccination, and a cake-cutting ceremony. Key partners included the Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium led by Professor Fredrick Were, Championing Evidence-Based Advocacy for PHC/RMNCAH-N, Jumuia Hospitals, and MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership.
Vihiga county’s investment in medical supplies, preventive vaccination, and health financing demonstrates a strong commitment to accessible and sustainable healthcare. By prioritizing both treatment and prevention, the county is ensuring that healthcare is a right that is brought closer, strengthened, and safeguarded for all generations.
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