Turkana: The Turkana County Department of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with early childhood development stakeholders, has launched the new Amref Health Africa in Kenya project, 'Thriving Through Play - Tucheze Tustawi.'
According to Kenya News Agency, this initiative aims to support the well-being of children and enhance their learning and life outcomes, targeting 25,772 children aged 0-3 years and their caregivers in Turkana West Sub-County. Funded by the Lego Foundation, the three-year project will be implemented across 32 health facilities and daycare centers within the sub-county's four wards.
During a courtesy call at the county health headquarters, Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Epem Esekon, highlighted that the project's success would guide future efforts to expand to other sub-counties. He emphasized the importance of engaging healthcare workers to ensure the program's sustainability. Dr. David Moru, while representing the Chief Officer for the Medical Services Department, assured the team of the department's full support during the project's implementation.
In Kakuma, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Janerose Tioko, suggested that the project could leverage healthcare workers to screen children for developmental delays and disabilities. Tioko emphasized that locally sourced materials should be used to create play items, promoting sustainability by allowing parents and caregivers to make their own. She emphasized, 'Play is essential in child development as it enhances cognitive, mental, and social skills. It is crucial that parents understand its importance.'
Project Lead, Fidelina Ndunge, explained that the initiative will integrate play into the primary healthcare network, with community health promoters (CHPs) helping ensure its widespread adoption in both health facilities and local communities. Ndunge further noted that the project aims to enhance mental health, psychosocial support, and social-emotional learning. It is also expected to improve the mental well-being of both parents and caregivers, particularly encouraging men to actively engage in play with their children to track developmental milestones.
The Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, James Lobokan, stressed the importance of aligning the project with the department's existing health priorities and strategies. Director of Community Health Services (CHS), Dr. Joseph Lolepo, reminded participants of the CHP nurturing and care module, which promotes child growth and development, as a key area for integration into the project.
Activities within the 'Tucheze Tustawi' project will be tailored to the specific needs of each community, with sub-grants allocated to local partners from both host and refugee populations. The project also involves collaboration with government departments for education, social protection, and children's services. Health Management Teams, Save the Children International, International Rescue Committee, and Plan International attended the meeting.