AMREF Boosts Turkana Healthcare with Lifesaving Maternal, Child Health and Vaccine Equipment Donation
The Turkana County Department of Health and Sanitation Services has received a major boost following the donation of critical Maternal and Neonatal Child Health (MNCH) equipment and life-saving health commodities by AMREF Health Africa through its Imarisha Jamii Project.
The donation, handed over on Thursday, is expected to strengthen healthcare service delivery across the county, particularly in maternal health, child nutrition, immunization, and neonatal care.
Among the items donated were five Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) refrigerators, a solar power system consisting of a hybrid inverter, five monocrystalline solar panels, and four deep-cycle batteries. The equipment is designed to enhance cold chain infrastructure and ensure safe storage of vaccines in remote health facilities.
Health officials said the support will help address existing gaps in health products and technologies, especially in maternal and neonatal health services, immunization programs, and nutrition interventions.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Services, Dr. Esekon Joseph Epem, described the donation as a timely intervention that will significantly improve healthcare outcomes in vulnerable communities.
“This equipment will go a long way in strengthening our cold chain capacity and nutrition response, particularly for mothers and children in our most vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Epem.
AMREF Health Africa’s Technical Lead for Maternal and Newborn Health, Anthony Asasio, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting community health systems through sustainable investments.
“Through the Imarisha Jamii Project, we remain dedicated to building the capacity of health systems at the community level. This handover reflects our belief that sustainable health outcomes are only possible when we invest in the right tools and supplies,” Asasio said.
The donation also included a substantial consignment of nutrition commodities aimed at combating malnutrition among children. These comprised 62 canisters of Therapeutic Milk F75, 600 packets of Therapeutic Milk F100, and 70 tins of Vitamin A supplements in different dosages.
County Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Agnes Mana, welcomed the support, noting that it aligns with the county government’s efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare services.
“Nutrition and immunisation remain at the heart of our preventive health agenda. These supplies will strengthen our ability to reach more children and mothers with life-saving interventions,” she said.
The five vaccine refrigerators will be distributed to Koyasa Dispensary in Kibish Sub-County, Kalelekol Dispensary in Lokiriama Sub-County, Lokipoto Dispensary in Turkana West, Lopur Dispensary in Aroo Sub-County, and Lomeleku Dispensary in Turkana South Sub-County.
The donation comes at a crucial time as Turkana County continues efforts to improve healthcare access, reduce child mortality, strengthen immunization coverage, and enhance nutrition outcomes in hard-to-reach communities.
Health stakeholders expressed optimism that the partnership between AMREF and the County Government will contribute significantly to improving the quality of healthcare services and saving lives across the region.
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