By Hilda Atika
Kakamega County Deputy Governor (DG) Ayub Savula has urged Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Mulongo to expand deworming campaigns in schools, emphasizing their importance in improving children’s health and learning outcomes.
This call follows CS Mulongo’s launch of the 12th round of the National School-Based Deworming Campaign in July this year. During her recent visit to Malava Level 4 Hospital, the CS reviewed the progress of Primary Health Care (PHC) strategies and the deworming program.
“I am happy that today we are launching a community deworming campaign targeting intestinal worms and bilharzia, and I encourage everyone to participate,” said CS Mulongo.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, DG Savula highlighted the pivotal role schools play in deworming efforts, adding that Community Health Promoters (CHPs) are well-positioned to support these initiatives. He noted that tackling parasitic infections in schools would enhance children’s health and learning capacities.
“The county government, in partnership with AMREF, will work to reduce parasitic worm infections, breaking the cycle of transmission within schools and communities,” said Savula. He also expressed gratitude to partners, including AMREF and the national government, for their contributions to the health sector.
AMREF Health Africa’s Global CEO, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, commended CHPs for their efforts in achieving maximum coverage of the deworming initiative. He emphasized AMREF’s collaboration with the government, which has yielded transformative outcomes in health care delivery in the Western region.
“CHPs are playing an incredible role in educating communities about Social Health Authority (SHA) and registering households. When we began in October, less than 5% of households had registered for SHA. Today, the figure stands at 14-15%, and it continues to rise,” said Dr. Gitahi.
Dr. Gitahi reaffirmed AMREF’s commitment to supporting CHPs, strengthening Primary Care Networks, and advancing financing for Primary Health Care. “AMREF remains dedicated to empowering CHPs and enhancing health care access across communities,” he added.
The deworming campaign is set to extend its impact, bringing health and educational benefits to more children and communities across Kakamega County.
