The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU) has lauded the service delivery at Isiolo County’s health sector.
Led by KEHPHPU Secretary General Brown Ashira, Vice Chair Juma Maelo and Treasurer Mohamed Ali, the union urged the county government administration to continue prioritising healthcare and scaling up support for public health professionals for best service delivery to the public.
Noting that frontline officers are key in preventing disease outbreaks and promoting community wellness, Mr Ashira commended the county administration for hiring 16 public health officers (PHOs), which is an indication of commitment to uplift healthcare.
During their first visit to the county, the union officials emphasisedthe need to promote primary health care, which is a disease prevention approach, through improving the public health workforce to avert the high curative expenses.
The union’s national treasurer said the county government needs to have more public health officers as a way of preventing diseases, noting that prevention is better than cure.
Ali also urged the county government to promote those who have advanced their education as a way of motivating them.
During the visit, KEHPHPU also held elections to establish a stronger local presence in Isiolo County, where Benard Shikuku was elected the chairman of the branch, to be deputised by Rahab Muthoni.
Other branch officials elected included Gerald Mwai (Secretary), Patrick Mutabari (Vice Secretary), Maureen Ntinyari (Treasurer) and Abdirahman Ali as the Organising Secretary.
The election was hailed as a significant milestone in reinforcing the union’s role in advocating for better working conditions, training and welfare of public health professionals at the county level.
The KEHPHPU appealed for commitment from both the county government and the union to work together in advancing public health initiatives and ensuring quality healthcare delivery for Isiolo residents.
By David Nduro
