This follows a high-level courtesy visit by a UNICEF delegation to Governor Ochillo Ayacko, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to improving health outcomes and addressing key social challenges affecting the county.
Speaking after the meeting, UNICEF Kenya National Director Shaheen Nilofer said the visit aimed at assessing ongoing interventions and identifying areas where the agency can scale up support, particularly in maternal and child health, water and sanitation, and public health emergency response systems.
She emphasized the need to sustain investments already made while strengthening collaboration with the county government.
A key focus of the partnership is tackling the “triple threat” of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), female genital mutilation (FGM), and teenage pregnancy, which continue to pose significant challenges in Migori.
UNICEF is also supporting programs aimed at improving disease surveillance and emergency response to public health outbreaks.
Governor Ayacko noted that the county has already made progress in strengthening healthcare systems, including capacity building for community health promoters and medical staff.
He revealed that the county has embarked on constructing maternal and newborn units in Level Four hospitals, an initiative that will require additional support in terms of equipment, staffing, and essential medical supplies.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed welcomed the partnership, highlighting the urgent need to address high rates of teenage pregnancy in the county.
She also pointed to plans to establish a rescue centre in Nyatike Sub-county, which will provide support not only to survivors of FGM but also to victims of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse.
The collaboration is expected to enhance access to quality healthcare, strengthen community health systems, and improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Migori County.
Leaders expressed optimism that the partnership will position Migori as a model county in western Kenya in advancing maternal and child health and addressing critical social issues.
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