In a significant stride toward advancing healthcare services, the Tharaka Nithi County Government has joined forces with Jhpiego, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. The partnership aims to elevate the quality of healthcare services available within the county.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki announced the collaboration during a press briefing at his satellite office in Chuka Town on Friday, highlighting the commitment of the President William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza administration to realizing Universal Healthcare across the country, saying the partnership with Jhpiego is a pivotal step towards achieving this goal at the county level.
Governor Njuki emphasized the focus on cancer prevention and treatment in the county, revealing that a significant portion of chronic diseases cases, approximately one-third, were linked to cancer.
Stressing the importance of early detection and diagnosis, he outlined the availability of basic screening, testing services, and early treatment in all health centers across the county, adding that the collaboration with Jhpiego will involve the training of personnel in every dispensary to enhance local healthcare capabilities.
Governor Njuki also announced that the county government, in partnership with Jhpiego, would embark on an advocacy campaign, encouraging residents to participate in mass cancer screening and testing conducted in health facilities throughout the county.
“Basic treatment procedures are locally available. While we may not have a dedicated cancer treatment center, we have agreed as the Council of Governors to utilize regional facilities. Essential vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, are readily accessible in one out of every five health facilities in the county,” Governor Njuki assured.
Paul Nyachae, the Country Director of Jhpiego, expressed the organization’s commitment to enhancing the skills of health workers in Tharaka Nithi. The partnership includes the donation of training models and the facilitation of capacity building and training initiatives across various healthcare facilities.
Dr. Daisy Ruto, Jhpiego Technical Director, and Dr. Nthuraku Gichuiya, Tharaka Nithi Health CECM, were among the key stakeholders present during the announcement.
