By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
The National Parents Association (NPA) Kenya has welcomed the Government’s efforts to strengthen and upgrade the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) programme, describing the initiative as a critical investment in the health and wellbeing of Kenyan families and communities.
The NPA commends the leadership and commitment demonstrated by President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale, and Principal Secretaries Dr. Oluga and Madam Lucy in strengthening community-based healthcare and improving service delivery at the grassroots.
PRESIDENT’S ACTION TO BENEFIT VULNERABLE CHILDREN
The NPA particularly welcomes the President’s intervention to improve the status and working conditions of more than 101,000 Community Health Promoters across the country.
The Association says the move goes beyond improving the welfare and recognition of CHPs, noting that it will have a direct impact on millions of households and, most importantly, vulnerable children.
Through a stronger community health system and the Social Health Authority (SHA), empowered CHPs will be better positioned to help more than 500,000 vulnerable school-going children across all 47 counties access healthcare and related support.
CHPs are uniquely placed at household and community level to identify vulnerable children, assist families in navigating the health system, promote preventive healthcare and connect those in need with appropriate services under SHA.
The NPA views the intervention as a major step towards ensuring that no child is denied an opportunity to learn and develop because of lack of access to essential healthcare.
DIRECT BENEFITS TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN
CHPs serve as a vital link between households and the formal health system. Their work in health education, disease prevention, maternal and child health, nutrition, sanitation, immunisation awareness, mental wellness and early identification of health challenges makes them indispensable partners in building a healthier nation.
The NPA believes the upgrading of CHPs will directly benefit parents and children by helping families understand the importance of preventive healthcare, immunisation, proper nutrition, hygiene, sanitation and early treatment.
CHPs should also play a stronger role in identifying children and families experiencing mental health challenges, substance abuse, neglect, violence, abuse and other forms of vulnerability, and promptly linking them with appropriate health, education and child-protection services.
The Association further calls for stronger collaboration between CHPs, schools, parents, Boards of Management and health facilities to make whole-school health an integral part of Kenya’s education transformation agenda.
NPA CALLS FOR STRONGER HEALTH-EDUCATION COLLABORATION
National Chairman of the National Parents Association, Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa, is urging the Ministries responsible for Health and Education to establish stronger mechanisms for collaboration between CHPs and schools through the Association.
Parents are the first educators and primary caregivers of children and must therefore be fully involved in programmes that affect the health, safety and wellbeing of learners.
The NPA says CHPs can become important community partners in promoting:
- Child and adolescent health;
- Mental wellness and psychosocial support;
- Nutrition and healthy lifestyles;
- Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH);
- Immunisation awareness;
- Prevention of drug and substance abuse;
- Child protection and safeguarding;
- Teenage pregnancy prevention;
- Early identification of disabilities and developmental challenges; and
- Health education for parents and caregivers.
NPA POSITION
The National Parents Association appreciates the work being undertaken by President William Ruto, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, Dr. Oluga and Madam Lucy to strengthen Kenya’s community health system.
Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa says investing in CHPs is ultimately an investment in the family, the learner and the future of Kenya.
The NPA therefore urges the Government to ensure that the CHP upgrading programme is sustainable, adequately funded and supported by appropriate training, supervision, equipment and clear professional development pathways.
The Association also urges parents and caregivers to register with SHA and ensure their families’ details are updated so that vulnerable children can access available healthcare support.
The NPA remains ready to work with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, county governments, CHPs, schools, parents and other stakeholders to strengthen community-based health interventions across all 47 counties.
A healthy child is a better learner. A healthy family is a stronger community. A healthy nation is the foundation of sustainable development.
