[Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu alongside other stakeholders during the opening of the Lake Region Economic Bloc Health Conference at Kisii University, March 29, 2017. Photo/Hivisasa.com] 

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The Lake Region Economic Bloc Health Conference has kicked off in Kisii University. 

The two-days event was officially opened by Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu, who assured the government's commitment to improving access to healthcare. 

The conference brought together county and private health sector professionals and stakeholders from the Bloc which has 13 member counties. 

They include: Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii, Homa Bay, Bungoma, Bomet, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, Nyamira, Busia, Kericho, Vihiga and Migori counties. 

Also present was the host governor James Ongwae, his Kisumu counterpart Jack Ranguma (the Bloc's chairman), Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) bosses, among others. 

Topics were taking centre stage in the discussions include disease burden, high HIV prevalence in the region, malaria prevention and control, infant mortality and inadequate human resource capacity in medical facilities. 

The event ends, March 30.