Principal Secretary (PS) for State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, has asked the Kenyans to work closely with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) during this rainy season to control waterborne diseases.
Speaking at St Martin Kiambuu Catholic Church in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Muthoni said personal hygiene is the first line of defense but CHPs play a key role in disease control in communities.
She directed them to ensure that all families have toilets in their home and at same time provide water treatment remedies.
“This is the time for CHPs to put in extra effort. Go door to door and ensure every household has a clean and functional toilet. Make sure their surroundings are clean, that every home boils their drinking water, and that water purification tablets have been distributed,” PS noted.
Kirinyaga County is among the areas experiencing heavy downpour significantly increasing the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks by contaminating water sources with waste from sewage, animal waste, and surface runoff.
“It’s important that we work together with our CHPs. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and free from preventable diseases like diarrhea and typhoid. Cleanliness is health”.
The county government recently embarked on clearing illegal structures on drainage systems to mitigate flooding in urban areas within the county.
The PS lamented increasing theft of coffee berries calling the residents to share any information with security agencies. Previously cases of theft were targeting church equipment but now coffee factories have reported many cases in the recent past.
“They have stopped stealing from the church, but started stealing from the farms. This theft must come to an end completely, if you know anyone or if you suspect anyone go and tell the Deputy County Commissioner, they have taken an oath and cannot disclose who reported.”
Njukiine Assistant County Commissioner, Rose Mukami, asked parents to take care of their children during the long holiday as they expect them in schools next year with intentions 100 percent transition after the national exams.
By Mutai Kipngetich
