Homa Bay governor Cyprian Awiti flags off two ambulances donated by UNICEF at the county headquarters. [Photo/ Facebook/Homa Bay County Government]
The Homa Bay County health sector has been handed a huge boost after UNICEF donated two ambulances to enhance response to emergency health cases.
The ambulances were flagged off on Friday at the county headquarters by governor Cyprian Awiti who was accompanied by UNICEF officials.
Speaking during the hand over, UNICEF country representative to Kenya Werner Schultink observed that the ambulances will go a long way in strengthening the maternal and newborn healthcare by offering basic emergency obstetric services to patients.
“We are impressed by the significant improvement in maternal child-births up from 39% in 2014 to 61% in 2017. This is a big achievement,” he said.
On his part, governor Awiti reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving healthcare services in the County.
He further thanked UNICEF's continued support to the county in different sectors.
“Through our long term collaboration with development partners like UNICEF, the county has managed to receive 2 additional fully equipped ambulances this year,” he stated.
His remarks were reiterated by County Health executive Prof. Richard Muga, who said the vehicles will help reduce maternal and neo-natal deaths in Rangwe and Kendu bay regions.
“Our health department is working to incorporate maternal and child health care in our County Integrated Development Plan this year,” he announced.
Also present during the flagging off ceremony was area Woman Representative Gladys Wanga.