Global Health Connection director of operations Christine Nyaboke with Homa Bay Chief Officer for Public Health Evelyn Ododa when they donated hygiene materials to Ongeti primary school learners in Kochi ward, Rangwe constituency/Robert Omollo
The Global Health Connection organisation has started an initiative to provide primary school-going students in Homa Bay County with hygiene materials.
Director of Operations at the organisation Christine Nyaboke said they target children whose families are unable to continuously provide them with the items.
Nyaboke said they donate sanitary towels, toothpaste and toothbrushes to needy students.
At Ongeti Primary School in Kochia Ward, Rangwe Constituency, the organisation also donated football kits and four balls to both the boys' and girls' football teams.
"The agenda is to improve hygiene of both girls and boys who hail from humble family backgrounds. The donations mostly enhance their retention in school," Nyaboke said.
Addressing the media during the handover of the items, the director said they are working closely with community health promoters in identifying vulnerable families.
The families are assisted under the Community Health Empowerment project.
"Trained community health promoters will help us deliver on the project. We want to support community at the household level," she said.
Homa Bay Public Health Chief Officer Evelyn Ododa helps in the distribution of toothpaste and brushes at Ongeti Primary School in the Rangwe constituency/Robert Omollo
More than 500 adolescent girls and boys benefited from the donations at Ongeti Primary School.
The triple threat includes vices such as new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence (GBV).
"Apart from improving hygiene of the girls and boys, retention in school increases their academic performance. Issues triple threat is also addressed," Ododa said.
The county officer urged the girls who benefited to dispose of the sanitary towels appropriately after use to ensure a conducive environment.
"The football jerseys help in promoting and nurturing of talents in boys and girls. We appreciate the organisation for the support to the students," she said.
