Marsabit County recently hosted a significant milestone in advancing healthcare services, as stakeholders gathered from November 18th to 21st, 2024, for the DESIP Programme Closeout review visit. The goal of the visit was to evaluate the implementation, challenges, and sustainability of family planning (FP) services while fostering stronger partnerships for integrated health initiatives.
The visit commenced with a courtesy meeting at the County Health Management Team offices, where the health officials provided a comprehensive review of their achievements under the DESIP programme.
Some of the highlights included:
- Expanding access to family planning (FP) services through capacity building and community engagement.
- Bridging gaps in service delivery and infrastructure.
- Crafting sustainability plans to extend FP services beyond the programme’s timeline.
Challenges in reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health (RMCAH), such as teen pregnancies and maternal deaths, were also discussed. Participants emphasized the need for integrated approaches and sustained collaboration between the government and development partners to address these systemic issues.
A crucial component of the discussions was a detailed overview of the Logistics Management Information System (LMIS), presented by the Sub-County Pharmacist. The LMIS, pivotal in tracking and managing FP commodities, revealed significant challenges, including inconsistent supply chains, storage limitations, and inadequate training at health facilities.
The delegation visited healthcare facilities, including the Marsabit County Referral Hospital, Dakabaricha Dispensary, and Isiolo Samburu Marsabit Clinic (ISMC). These visits offered insights into FP service delivery, data quality, and integration into broader healthcare services.
The team also prioritized community outreach, fostering awareness and dialogue on family planning. At Logologo Dispensary, community members, including men, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and youth, engaged in discussions promoting FP uptake. Similarly, religious leaders at Jamia Mosque participated in conversations linking child spacing to cultural and religious values, encouraging greater acceptance of FP services.
To broaden the impact, Dr. Charlotte Pahe, PS Kenya’s Reproductive Health Director, participated in a live radio session. The discussion revolved around sustaining FP services, leveraging public-private partnerships, and addressing gaps in healthcare delivery.
The Marsabit visit underscored the significant progress made under the DESIP programme while highlighting areas needing continued focus, such as commodity security, infrastructure development, and community engagement. The collaborative efforts of UKAID, PS Kenya, and local stakeholders demonstrated a shared commitment to fostering inclusive, culturally sensitive, and sustainable health interventions.
