By D, KNA
The government has stepped up efforts to promote accurate health information dissemination and counter misinformation through the Jamii Imara Mashinani programme.
Speaking in Isiolo County during a grassroots sensitization tour, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Mary Muriuki, urged residents not to be misled by individuals spreading pessimistic and inaccurate tales about government development plans and achievements.
She said the government is in the process of equipping health institutions across the country with modern medical equipment to enhance early screening and diagnosis of diseases, and improving service delivery.
The PS revealed that Isiolo County has 660 community health promoters who are complementing government efforts at the community level.
“Their responsibilities include screening villagers for diabetes, monitoring blood pressure, identifying common ailments, and advising mothers on appropriate breastfeeding practices,” she said.
Muriuki noted that the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has been integrated into the Jamii Imara Mashinani initiative following findings that alcohol abuse and smoking had significantly contributed to the 44,000 cancer cases recorded nationally.
She encouraged residents to familiarize themselves with key government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and creating employment opportunities. Among them are the recruitment of 100,000 teachers, the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) initiative targeting youth empowerment, and the Affordable Housing Project.
During the Isiolo tour to popularize the Jamii Imara Mashinani strategy, the PS was accompanied by the chair Water Resources Authority (WRA), Jared Ongwae, NACADA Vice chairperson, Anne Mathu, and Kieru Wambui, a Council Member at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC).
The Jamii Imara Mashinani programme targets grassroots communities with accurate information on health matters and government interventions aimed at strengthening service delivery and improving citizens’ well-being.
