Vihiga county: Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Vihiga County have commended the government for recognising their role in safeguarding public health by awarding them a monthly stipend of Sh3,000.
According to Kenya News Agency, Christine Ijaika, the chairperson of CHPs in the Magui area, expressed gratitude for the stipend, noting its impact on their living standards and service delivery to residents in remote areas. The financial support aids in covering transport costs, airtime for follow-up calls, and data for report submission, which were previously out-of-pocket expenses for CHPs, often leaving them without resources for basic needs.
Despite the stipend’s benefits, CHPs continue to encounter challenges, such as the cost of ambulances during emergencies. Many patients, including expectant mothers, struggle to afford these fees, posing significant risks to their health. Additionally, CHPs face shortages of essential medicines. Ijaika highlighted the lack of necessary drugs for conditions like high blood pressure and urged the county government to supply these medications, similar to how malaria drugs are provided.
She acknowledged the effectiveness of providing malaria drugs, which allows CHPs to administer immediate treatment following a positive test, thereby saving lives. Furthermore, Ijaika called on parents of girls aged ten to 14 to ensure their children receive the HPV vaccination at health facilities to protect against cervical cancer.
The stipend, despite existing challenges, remains a motivating factor for CHPs, encouraging them to continue their vital work in ensuring access to essential health services within their communities.
