Bungoma County has received medical equipment and non-medical supplies valued at Sh59 million from USAID’s Dumisha Afya initiative.
The donation aims to enhance healthcare services in facilities throughout the county. Health and Sanitation Services Executive Carolyne Makali stated that the equipment will help reduce the workload for healthcare professionals and improve service delivery. “These resources will significantly enhance the quality of care we provide to our clients,” she noted.
The supplies will facilitate the digitization and connectivity of healthcare facilities and include 726 Samsung Galaxy tablets, HP ProBooks, desktop computers, adult and pediatric weighing scales, office furniture, solar panels, and various medical and non-pharmaceutical supplies.
Makali, who accepted the donation at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, mentioned that the supplies will be distributed to all health facilities. The Dumisha Afya initiative is part of a Kenya Health Partnership for Quality program that supports the government’s efforts to address HIV/AIDS.
This initiative aims to protect the rights and welfare of children and adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS by ensuring equitable access to quality primary healthcare services for the most vulnerable. The program began on April 1, 2022, and is managed by the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Health and Sanitation Services Chief Officer Dr. Magrina Mayama, Liaison and Partnership Officer Simon Mukoko, and the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Simon Kisaka, were present for the donation. Mayama expressed gratitude to Dumisha Afya for the contribution, stating it would reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care.
The partnership has also strengthened the county’s healthcare workforce by supporting the employment of over 200 healthcare workers. Dr. Mayama praised Dumisha’s capacity-building efforts for health workers, particularly in governance and service delivery.
Dr. Everline Ashiono, Dumisha’s Chief of Party, reiterated their commitment to strengthening Bungoma’s healthcare system. “We are pleased to partner with Bungoma County to ensure our clients receive quality healthcare through this donation,” she stated.
Through its collaboration with Dumisha, the county has previously benefited from solar equipment donated to the Department of Health, shared among 15 health facilities across seven subcounties.
