30% of Bungoma County residents suffer from TB
As the world commemorated tuberculosis day on Thursday research has shown that thirty percent of residents in Bungoma County have been affected by the disease even as the ministry of health calls upon for them to visit health centers regularly for medication.
Bungoma County health CEC Stephen Kokonya while officiating the Bungoma county commemoration ceremony at Kapsokwony said the county has laid out strategies of dealing with the issue saying the country at large is at thirty eight per cent they have to ensure the disease is curbed.
He disclosed that health officers in charge of facilities across the county are working closely with community health workers to ascertain the number of people affected and how they are going to help them treat the disease.
“The County has enough drugs for Tb and those affected wherever they are assured of getting treatment hence should not fear visiting health facilities and those not infected can visit screening centers so as to be sure of their health” he added
However the CEC disclosed to have had a challenge of insufficient drugs for other diseases in Bungoma County saying in the next financial year they will prioritize purchasing of enough drugs to cater for the whole population across the county.
He further disclosed to have had complains from certain health facilities in Mt Elgon of officers not working well with the community and warned them that stern action will be taken against anyone who will be found not to be executing his/her mandate well.
Mr. Kokonya urged the residents to also enroll with the National Hospital Insurance Fund to help them cater for their medical bills while being admitted saying the medical cover is meant to help people access medical services.
However infected residents expressed their concern over the distance they have to commute to reach the health centers for the medication saying the ministry should ensure the medicines are available even at the dispensaries for easy accessibility.
