More than 500 Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Kisumu County have received Sh1.6 million from Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda to support their welfare and facilitate their work in delivering healthcare services at the grassroots.
Prof. Ojienda noted that the volunteers have been working without a regular salary, and the support will motivate and enable them to continue providing quality healthcare services.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with the leadership of CHVs at his residence in God Abuoro, Muhoroni Sub-county, he acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the CHVs to the health and well-being of communities.
The donation included Sh500,000 for the volunteers’ welfare and another Sh1.1 million to cater to their transport expenses.
Prof. Ojienda underscored the crucial role played by the CHVs in supporting healthcare initiatives at the grassroots level.
The CHVs remain an indispensable link between our communities and the formal healthcare system. Their dedication and selfless service, often under challenging circumstances, deserve recognition and meaningful support,” he said.
The senator said investing in CHVs would strengthen primary healthcare services and improve the county’s overall health system.
Prof. Ojienda also pledged to push for the enactment of the Community Health Volunteers Bill, saying the proposed legislation is long overdue and would provide CHVs with formal recognition, better working conditions, and proper remuneration.
Highlighting the plight of the community health providers, he regretted they have long been neglected by many county governments, with some receiving a monthly allowance of only Sh2,500, which is often delayed.
“There is a need for legislation that compels counties to provide proper remuneration to community health providers so they can continue offering these essential services,” he said.
The senator emphasized that CHVs play a vital role in promoting primary and preventive healthcare, helping to reduce the burden on health facilities through community-based interventions.
In recognition of their service, Prof. Ojienda announced that CHVs would be given priority in programs spearheaded by his office, including the Mbegu Mashinani agricultural initiative and the Watoto Wasome education program.
By Robert Ojwang’
