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Nairobi host workshop to empower Kenya community health workers

Nairobi County Public Health Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community health services at a workshop focusing on the Kenya Community Health Workers (CHW).

The workshop, held in partnership with the Ministry of Health and AMREF Health Africa through the Learning 4 Life Project initiative, discussed the progress, challenges, and plans for supporting and improving the livelihoods of Community Health Workers (CHPs and CHAs) under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.

Speaking at the workshop over the weekend, Nairobi Chief Officer for Public Health Tom Nyakaba emphasised that Community Health Promoters (CHPs) play a vital role in primary healthcare provision by acting as a bridge between communities and formal health facilities, promoting health education, disease prevention, and facilitating access to essential healthcare services, especially in underserved areas.

According to Nyakaba, the CHW register in discussion will serve as a database for providing data on all community health workers operating at level one of care, thereby formalizing their roles as per the PHC Act 2023.

“The initiative will enhance the efficient use of resources, foster accountability, and promote professional development,” he stated.

Nyakaba urged stakeholders to prioritize Nairobi County when introducing new health service models, stating that the capital should serve as a benchmark for other counties.

“Nairobi should be the priority when new models are introduced, so that other counties can emulate. Our focus remains on ensuring the end of AIDS and TB by 2030, and we believe strengthening community health structures is key to achieving this vision,” he stated.

Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Services Carol Ngunu provided data on Nairobi’s robust community health network, highlighting the county’s efforts in training and supporting CHPs.

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She noted the need to increase the number of community health assistants (CHAs) to enhance service delivery at the community level.

The workshop highlighted the importance of the CHW registry in ensuring the streamlining of data management and improving health service delivery at the grassroots level. With the county’s continued investment and commitment, Nairobi remains at the forefront of strengthening community health as part of the broader Universal Health Coverage agenda.

Currently, Nairobi has 7,820 Community Health Promoters who receive stipends from both the county and the national government.

Additionally, 50 CHPs have undergone community health assistant training at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). All CHPs have formal letters of engagement from the county.

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