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.
Speaking to KNA at Magui Secondary School, the chairperson of CHPs in Magui area, Christine Ijaika, lauded the move, saying the stipend improves their living standards and facilitates service delivery to residents in remote areas.
“The money helps us cover transport costs to reach community members who need our services, as well as airtime for follow-up calls and data to send our reports,” Ijaika explained. She added that previously, CHPs had to use their own money to offer services, often going without food after attending to clients.
Despite the stipend, CHPs continue to face challenges, including paying for ambulances during emergencies. Some patients, including expectant mothers, cannot afford ambulance fees, putting their lives at risk.
Ijaika also noted shortages of essential medicine. “After testing patients, we sometimes find high blood pressure cases but do not have the necessary drugs. We urge the county government to provide essential medications similar to malaria drugs,” she said.
She acknowledged that the provision of malaria drugs has been effective: once a patient tests positive, CHPs can immediately administer treatment, saving lives.
The CHP chairperson further urged parents of girls aged ten to 14 years to ensure their children visit health facilities to receive the HPV vaccination, which protects against cervical cancer.
She reiterated that despite challenges, the stipend motivates CHPs to continue their work, ensuring communities have access to essential health services.
By Maureen Imbayi
