Migori County is set to benefit from strengthened maternal and child healthcare services following a renewed partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
This follows a high-level courtesy visit by a UNICEF delegation to Migori Governor Dr Ochillo Ayacko, during which both parties reaffirmed their commitment to improving health outcomes and addressing key social challenges affecting the county.
UNICEF Kenya Representative Dr Shaheen Nilofer said that they will continue to partner and engage with Migori County to support transformative development in the health sector.
Dr Nilofer said that UNICEF will continue to establish the country’s value propositions and determine how best it can step in to assist in improving the health sector.
She noted that the visit aimed at assessing ongoing interventions and identifying areas where the agency can scale up support, particularly in maternal and child health, water and sanitation, and public health emergency response systems.
The official said that the health sector is key in addressing health challenges like maternal health for the well-being of children and women.
Nilofer explained that strengthening the partnership with Migori county in the health sector will ensure better support for maternal and child health services, as well as addressing the Triple Threat (new HIV infections among adolescents and young people, adolescent pregnancies, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence-GVB), and public health emergencies.
The official also emphasized the need to sustain investments already made while strengthening collaboration with the county government, as well as thanking Governor Ochilo for his administration efforts in ensuring the county remains free from open defecation.
“We will always support the County governments on critical indicators to enable them to take the lead on public health and the well-being of society”, said Nilofer.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed, who accompanied Dr Nilofer, said that strengthening county collaboration on key social and health challenges will help the administration of Governor Ochilo to solve some of the health problems like maternal death, triple threat and combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Fatuma said that UNICEF remains a vital partner in advancing efforts to combat FGM, GBV, and early pregnancies, while enhancing maternal and child health across Migori County.
The Legislator acknowledged that his office, in partnership with UNICEF and the County government, was committed to plans of establishing a rescue Centre for FGM and GBV survivors in Nyatike Sub-County to provide access, protection, care, and a pathway to victims’ recovery.
On his path, Migori Governor Dr Ochilo Ayacko elaborated that the partnership will serve as an opportunity to discuss and reinforce ongoing collaboration in addressing critical issues affecting the Migori Society.
“UNICEF has been a steadfast partner in our shared mission to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), early pregnancies, and to enhance maternal and child health services across the country. Their commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, particularly our women and children, has been invaluable”, said Ochilo.
Ochilo added that the county has already made progress in strengthening healthcare systems, including capacity building for community health promoters and medical staff.
“We have also embarked on constructing maternal and newborn units in Level Four hospitals, an initiative that will require additional support in terms of equipment, staffing, and essential medical supplies”, concluded Ochilo.
by Makokha Khaoya
