Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa launched the Primary Care Network (PCN) at Malava Sub-County Hospital in Kakamega, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
During her visit, the CS toured Matayo Lumatete Homestead in Malichi, Malichi Dispensary, and Malava Level 4 Hospital to assess referral services and evaluate the successes of the PCN Network.
With support from Amref Kenya, Kakamega County has established 12 PCNs, significantly improving healthcare access across the region.
These networks have led to a 15 percent increase in immunization coverage, facilitated over 2,000 patient referrals, and impacted more than 50,000 households through community health teams.
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Barasa highlighted the role of digital health innovations like the e-Community Health Information System (eCHIS), which has digitized patient records for 30,000 residents, enhancing service delivery.
Health CS Deborah Barasa.
In collaboration with WHO, PATH Kenya, Amref, and End Fund, the CS also launched a deworming initiative, benefiting over 100,000 residents through mass drug administration targeting diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis.
Barasa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing technical support, policy guidance, and resource mobilization to sustain the success of PCNs and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) programs, ensuring continued progress toward achieving universal healthcare for all Kenyans.
