Vihiga governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has highlighted the need for engaging the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in the malaria awareness campaign.

Dr. Ottichilo pointed out that since the CHPs have a wide network at the grassroots, they are best placed to sensitize the masses on the disease.

He said this during a consultative meeting with a team from the President’s Malaria Initiative(PMI) Global Project delegation where they discussed the implementation and progress of the malaria prevention and management in the county.

The county head stated that malaria is one of the leading killers of the under-fives in the region and hence the need to intensify the efforts for prevention.

The PMI global project coordinator, Dr. Hannah Konker, said their mission is to enhance malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment by strengthening the community health systems, training workers and enhancing laboratory supplies across all health facilities in the county.

At the same time, stakeholders from various sectors incl
uding health, social services, education and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) met on Friday and deliberated on the modalities of addressing the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disorders and cancer in the area.

The agreed upon interventions included enhancing public awareness on healthy lifestyles, embracing early screening and detention programmes as well as ensuring access to quality healthcare services.

Source: Kenya News Agency