First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has urged Kenyans to play their individual and collective roles effectively for the country to achieve universal health.
The First Lady said it is the duty of all Kenyans to ensure that every citizen accesses better health.
She recalled the recent World Autism Day marked worldwide, describing Autism Spectrum Disorder as a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others.
She stressed the need to raise awareness and recognise children with disabilities as they are an integral part of the society.
The First Lady who spoke at Kitale Club grounds during the delivery of the 38th fully equipped mobile clinic, commended Governor Patrick Khaemba for his commitment to better healthcare in the County.
“Trans Nzoia is a huge contributor to Kenya’s food security, and therefore ensuring a healthy population is critical,” she said.
She said the new mobile clinic, equipped to a level four hospital, will supplement other hospitals and health centres in the county to provide better health for the residents.
“Trans Nzoia has large scale maize and wheat farms and is considered as the bread basket of Kenya; this is commendable as it contributes to the well-being of the entire Kenyan population,” she said.
The First Lady is optimistic that with the various health initiatives being undertaken in Trans Nzoia, the county will be able to attain universal health.
“My hope, is that through a wide range of health initiatives and partnerships, Trans Nzoia and Kenya will quickly attain the goal of zero preventable child and maternal deaths, zero new HIV cases and 100 per cent immunisation of babies against childhood diseases” said the First Lady.
The First Lady also commended the Trans Nzoia governor’s spouse for being in the forefront in championing better healthcare.
“As a mother, you have embraced the role of mentoring new mothers; caring for the fate of orphans; and providing economic opportunities for women to help them gain financial independence by exposing them to innovative businesses and new farming methods,” she pointed out.
On arrival, the First Lady was conducted on a tour of Matunda sub county hospital and briefed on the natal and post-natal services provided to the local population.
Matunda sub county hospital serves 250,000 people and was upgraded in 2014 to reduce pressure to the Kitale District Hospital and encourage the community to utilize sub-county health facilities.
Governor Patrick Khaemba said the launch of the Beyond Zero Mobile Clinic in Trans Nzoia County, captures the important strides the country has made and continues to make to significantly address disparities in advancing maternal and new born health at all levels.
“The launch manifests the government’s deep sense of commitment and determination through Her Excellency the First lady of the Republic of Kenya to address inequalities as envisioned by one of the key principles of vision 2030 by ensuring that no one is left behind,” said the Trans Nzoia Governor.
In a speech read on his behalf by acting Director of Medical Services Dr Jackson Kioko, Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr Cleopa Mailu said the government will continue partnering with all stakeholders in creating enabling environment for technical support and policy development and sound health investment.
Kiminini Member of Parliament, Dr Chris Wamalwa said through the Beyond Zero initiatives, the First Lady is actualizing the Kenyan constitution which guarantees the right to healthcare.
Other speakers included Senator Zipporah Kittony, the County Women Representative Janet Nangabo and governors spouse Rose Khaemba among other senior government officials.