Vihiga County has strengthened its commitment to evidence-driven healthcare through a new partnership with a global non-profit organization, Evidence Action, a move expected to improve planning, accountability, and the effectiveness of public health interventions across the county.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in the Governor’s office, marks a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to improve access to safe drinking water, strengthen disease prevention initiatives, and build sustainable health systems through collaboration between the Department of Health Services and the global non-profit organization, Evidence Action.
The signing ceremony brought together senior county officials led by the Department of Health Services, representatives from Evidence Action, and officers from the Vihiga County Government Departments of Water and Sanitation, Public Health, and Environment.
The partnership seeks to deepen collaboration in implementing evidence-based interventions that improve the health and well-being of Vihiga residents.
Speaking during the agreement, Dr. Noel Malanda, the county chief officer of water, noted that the collaboration will ensure the provision of safe water to communities while promoting sustainable practices such as carbon credit initiatives to support ecosystem conservation by reducing reliance on fossil fuels in water treatment processes.
He added that the partnership will play a key role in enabling the repair, maintenance, and expansion of clean water infrastructure, ultimately improving reliability and access for residents.
Evidence Action representative Caren Sande said the organization has been working closely with the county in expanding access to clean and safe water through the mapping of community water points and supporting the National School-Based Deworming Programme.
She noted that the renewed partnership will ensure the sustainability of these interventions while helping control water-borne diseases that continue to pose a public health threat. She added that working together with the county departments will enhance coordinated implementation and maximize impact at the community level.
The Deputy Governor Hon.Wilbeforce Kitiezo present at the signing program reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to ensuring that every household has access to safe drinking water. He observed that the first phase of the programme had demonstrated tangible impact across communities and said the second phase would focus on sustainability. According to Kitiezo, the programme has significantly improved community health by ensuring safer water for families and children while contributing to a cleaner and healthier Vihiga County.
The second phase of the programme will prioritize mapping water catchment areas to determine the appropriate levels of chlorination required, chlorinating community-managed water projects, and strengthening conservation efforts in response to the effects of climate change on water sources. The county also plans to construct small dams, protect water catchment areas, and promote water conservation measures to guarantee a reliable supply of clean water for future generations.
Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo lauded the partnership, saying Vihiga has made remarkable progress in promoting access to clean and safe water. He noted that the county has not experienced major disease outbreaks associated with contaminated drinking water due to continuous chlorination of traditional water sources. However, he raised concern over the destruction of water catchment areas, particularly through the planting of eucalyptus trees near water sources, emphasizing the county policy requiring a 30-metre buffer zone to safeguard rivers, springs, and wetlands.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding underscores Vihiga County’s determination to build a healthier and more resilient future through strategic partnerships and evidence-based solutions.
By combining scientific data, environmental conservation, and community-driven health interventions, the county and Evidence Action aim to reduce preventable diseases, improve access to clean water, and create sustainable systems that will benefit residents for years to come.
By Winstar Jaika / Maureen Imbayi
