Kwale: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Amref Health Africa, World Bicycle Relief, and Buffalo Bicycles Kenya, has provided 500 bicycles to Kwale Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to improve their mobility and efficiency in delivering essential healthcare services at the community level.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative aims to bolster the reach of Primary Health Care (PHC), a fundamental component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, emphasized the importance of improved mobility for community health workers. She noted that the bicycles would enable CHPs to access more households, conduct timely follow-ups, support disease prevention efforts, and respond quickly during health campaigns and outbreaks.
Muthoni highlighted the critical role community health workers play as they are embedded within their communities, providing essential services to those in need. She stressed the need for the health promoters to maintain the bicycles well and use them responsibly to facilitate their work.
Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo expressed gratitude to the partners for augmenting the county's healthcare services. He described the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing the mobility and efficiency of CHPs, especially in remote areas of the county. Kombo mentioned that the bicycles would help CHPs reach vulnerable populations in distant areas like Kinango and Lunga Lunga sub-counties.
The Deputy Governor also noted that the current donation builds on a previous rollout of 100 bicycles in 2024, which had significantly improved healthcare delivery and household coverage.
Dr. Meshack Ndirangu from AMREF International appreciated the national and county governments for their collaboration, which has been crucial in providing effective healthcare services locally. He pointed out that the bicycles would assist CHPs in delivering various health services, including antenatal care, immunization, nutrition, and disease prevention.
Maurine Kolenyo from World Bicycle Relief encouraged the CHPs to make the most of the bicycles to enhance grassroots healthcare delivery. She reiterated World Bicycle Relief's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and fostering sustainable community development.
Rajab Ondo, representing the community health promoters, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, acknowledging the support from the county and national governments and partners. He affirmed that the bicycles would empower them to better serve their communities.