Turkana: A transformative health initiative, the Building Resilient and Responsive Health Systems (BREHS) project, has commenced its nationwide rollout in Turkana, aiming to address healthcare challenges faced by both host and refugee communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Department of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, is conducting a four-day co-creation mission in Lodwar and Kakuma municipalities. Turkana County, covering over 77,000 square kilometres, struggles with healthcare due to vast distances between facilities, limited infrastructure, and a rising refugee population, particularly in Turkana West Sub-County.
The BREHS project, funded by the World Bank, aims to strengthen primary healthcare services, bridging gaps to ensure equitable and quality health services for both host and refugee communities. Stakeholders include the Ministry of Health, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and County Health Management Teams (CHMTs) across all 47 counties.
According to World Bank data, both refugees and host communities in Turkana and Garissa counties face challenges accessing healthcare. During the project's first sensitization forum for the County Health Management Team (CHMT), Project Manager Dr. Terry Kamau highlighted that the project targets women and children from the poorest communities, who are primary users of healthcare services.
Dr. Kamau further explained that the project aims to strengthen health services for approximately 1.8 million people from host communities and 590,000 refugees. Dr. Epem Esekon, County Executive Committee Member of Health and Sanitation, emphasized that for Turkana County, the BREHS project is a lifeline, aiming to make healthcare services more accessible, efficient, and responsive.
The project focuses on building stronger health institutions, increasing the use of high-quality primary healthcare services, and supporting project management and evaluation at national and county levels. Dr. Kamau urged participants to involve the refugee community and other stakeholders to complement BREHS efforts and avoid duplication.
Dr. Esekon noted that the project is timely, encouraging the team to ensure health facilities show progress in data and reduced maternal mortality rates. The mission activities will include stakeholder meetings, health facility visits, and a validation workshop to align health challenges with the County Integrated Development Plan.
This five-year project, effective from January 31, 2025, and conceptualised in 2023, aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure in Turkana County, improve the availability of health products and technologies, increase the health workforce, and integrate service delivery.
Other attendees at the CHMT forum included directors, county project coordinators, and representatives from the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors, and Department of Refugee Services.