First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has thanked Kenyans for supporting her Beyond Zero campaign, by helping in raising funds to increase mothers and children access to health services.
Mrs Kenyatta said through their goodwill and that of the national and county governments as well as the private sector, she has so far managed to deliver 41 fully kitted mobile clinics to the counties.
The clinics are intended to take health services closer to communities in a bid to reduce maternal and child mortality.
“The Beyond Zero clinics which supplement the county government health facilities, are a result of joint effort of thousands of Kenyans. They have run with me since 2013 in marathons to raise funds to support the health of our mothers and children,” said the first lady.
The first lady was speaking on Tuesday when she handed over the 41st fully kitted Beyond Zero mobile clinic to Vihiga County.
The mobile clinic was donated by the Rotary International and Bank M.
Although a lot of progress has been made in terms of reducing mother to child HIV transmission, the first lady said a significant number of expectant women in the country still do not have access to ante-natal and post-natal health services.
She said championing issues of access to better health care is a cause that could unite all Kenyans.
“Maternal and child mortality, malnutrition and HIV Aids are issues that demand the attention of everybody in this country. We can all agree on how they need to be addressed,” she affirmed.
The first lady said Kenyans could achieve more in unity rather than working separately as individuals.
She commended the Vihiga County Government for investing a lot of its resources in the health sector, saying the move will over time be reflected in the health of its residents.
“I believe the establishment of the County Medical Training College is a critical step in building the capacity of your hospitals, and I’m also excited to hear about the upgrades that are happening to six health facilities in five sub-countries,” said Mrs Kenyatta.
She also applauded the Governors’ wife, Mrs Elizabeth Akaranga, for working tirelessly to promote the health of young girls and women in the county.
Acting Director of Medical Services Dr Jackson Kioko thanked the first lady for providing strong leadership in the initiatives to bring change to the health sector.
“You have been a strong pillar to the health sector. We have seen major progress in this sector through your passion,” said Dr Kioko.
Governor Moses Akaranga thanked the first lady for her initiative saying the Beyond Zero mobile clinic marks a new chapter in the delivery of health care services to the residents of Vihiga County.
“There were those who were doubting your zeal and passion to deliver mobile clinics, but here is a proof of your efforts,” said Governor Akaranga.
First Lady also toured Vihiga referral hospital where she was briefed on various activities in the hospital, especially the maternity services.
By PSCU.