County Government of Lamu will continue strengthening County Health structures through working with development partners to guarantee effective improvements in health care delivery and socioeconomic development.

The commitment was made today by H.E Governor Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W when he was receiving a brief on the implementation of Afya Uzazi Salama project and Daktari Smart programme which is being implemented by Lamu County Government, Safaricom Foundation and the Getrude’s Hospital Foundation.

Afya Uzazi Salama project is being implemented in support of Safaricom Foundation and has seen construction, upgrading and equipping of health facilities, training of health workers and volunteers among others.

Daktari Smart uses telemedicine technology to link and provide treatment to children in hard-to-reach areas. The project aims to reduce the number of referrals of sick children by allowing county health facilities to have access to specialists for free at Mpeketoni sub county hospital.

The partnership has seen a tremendous improved access to maternal, new born and child health services through infrastructure improvement, referral system, capacity building of healthcare workers, reviving community health units and capacity building of community health volunteers in Lamu County.

During the presentation, the Governor, Safaricom Foundation Chairman and Getrude’s Hospital were taken through the milestones of Afya Uzazi Salama programme that has achieved an increase in utilization of maternity services, training of Community Health Volunteers among others.

Governor Timamy who was accompanied by his Deputy H.E Raphael Munyua lauded Safaricom Foundation and the Getrude’s Hospital for their partnership that has contributed to a significant decrease in maternal and newborn health morbidity and mortality rates.

Safaricom Foundation Chairman Mr. Joe Ogutu thanked the County Government of Lamu for having ensured the programmes are being implemented as envisioned. He also committed to ensure they will continue funding the projects as part of strengthening healthcare infrastructure.

In attendance was Safaricom Limited Regional Business Lead for the Coast Region Mr. Jackson Mutua, Getrude’s Foundation Manager Ms.Carol Waweru, Health CEC Member Hon. Dr. Mbarak Bahajaj, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir Issa, Health Chief Officer Mr. Victor Tole, Director Health Dr. Abubakar Baasba, Medical Doctors, Safaricom team among others.

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For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office Email: communication@lamu.go.ke