Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma has received cholera supplies worth Sh2 million from the World Health Organization (WHO) in preparedness in case the anticipated El Nino wreaks havoc in the country mid-this month.
The consignment consisted of Particle Filter Half Masks, Intravenous Fluids, and Module Drugs among others.
While flagging off the truckload in Busia town, Dr Otuoma commended WHO adding that the consignment will boost the measures they have put in place as a county.
“This gesture will greatly boost our preparedness measures under the Bi-lateral Disaster Committee I chair with the County Commissioner. I urge our health officers and other stakeholders to be alert and ready to handle any eventuality,”
Dr Paul Otuoma, Busia County Governor.
The governor noted that he is aware of the challenges facing the health sector but his administration will ensure solutions are found especially in budgetary allocation and delivery of health care services to the people of Busia.
“My administration is keen on both Primary and Secondary healthcare provision that has prompted us to embark on a transformative tack of facilitating Community Health Promoters to provide a defined package of preventive and Promotive health services to reduce the burden on referral hospitals,” said the governor.
He encouraged residents to register for the Nation Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to reduce the costs of seeking medical services and also increase capitation that now stands at a meager Sh80 million. Adding that “the capitation to the county is not enough to manage other critical services such as the purchase of drugs.”
Mr Ben Adaki, the WHO medical officer said the organization will be delivering a second consignment soon that will include WASH supplies among them chlorine tablets for the treatment of water for domestic use.
“We are aware that heavy rainfall will contaminate water sources thus the need to treat before consumption. The second batch of supplies will also include cholera beds for patients,” he added.
Budalangi in Bunyala Sub County, Amoni and Akiriamasit in Teso North, and Akiriamasi in Teso South Sub Counties are among the areas that are affected by floods whenever it rains in Busia County.
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