Isiolo bets big with new devices amid UHC push

Health officials from Isiolo during the flagging off a consignment of medical equipment /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

The equipment was delivered through a partnership involving the county government, the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies and support from the United States government.

Health officials say the supplies are intended to address persistent gaps in maternal, neonatal and respiratory care.

County health executive Lucy Kaburu said collaborations with external partners have contributed to improvements in service delivery, citing recent investments in infrastructure and staffing.

“Working with partners has enabled the county to make progress in key areas of healthcare provision,” she said during the handover.

Health chief officer Mohamud Melo said the devices are expected to have a direct clinical impact, particularly in reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.

He added that the equipment will support treatment of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, which remains a concern in the region.

The supplies include neonatal pulse oximeters for monitoring oxygen levels in newborns, infant radiant warmers designed to regulate body temperature for premature or ill infants and air compressive nebulisers used in managing respiratory conditions.

In an effort to decentralise access to care, similar equipment has also been distributed to Garbatulla Subcounty Hospital and Merti Hospital, extending the reach of specialised services beyond Isiolo town.

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has pointed to broader health sector reforms undertaken over the past three years, including recruitment of medical personnel and construction of new facilities.

He linked these measures to reductions in maternal mortality rates.

The latest delivery comes as countries continue to rely on partnerships with development agencies and non-governmental organisations to bridge resource gaps in the health sector, even as the country pursues universal health coverage.