Primary Health Care forms the foundation of a health system that aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage. It is mainly the first contact for individuals, families and communities with the health system, providing comprehensive, accessible, and community-based care. A strengthened Primary Health Care ensures early detection and management of health conditions, which then reduces the costlier secondary and tertiary care, hence promoting health equality by reaching underserved populations. RMNCAH Network is pioneering an impactful project in Bungoma County, aiming to revolutionize Primary Health Care through the implementation of the Vital Signs Profile (VSP) tool. The initiative is designed to track critical health indicators, secure budget allocations and establish a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms

Delving into the project’s objectives, strategies, and anticipated outcomes, the project coordinator, Moses Ouma, notes that it aims to strengthen Primary Health Care right from the community level in Bungoma County, by advocating for increased investment in local health centers within the community through tracking the PHC performance using the Vital Signs Profile tool to allow timely interventions and informed decision making.

The VSP tool is designed to provide real-time data on key health indicators,” explains Ouma. “As the RMNCAH Network, we aim to ensure securing the necessary budget for the VSP tool and engage policymakers and stakeholders to highlight its importance and the need for financial support in the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, we aim to ensure that it is fully adopted in the county by the end of this project. By doing so, we shall be gathering the most accurate information that will guide interventions from the health department in strengthening Primary Health Care in the county.”

THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTERS.

The Community Health promoters being the bridge between the community and health systems, they play a very crucial role in the success of this project. They are the frontline health workers who are deeply rooted in the communities and understand the local health needs. The Network trained them on advocacy engagement for Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health-RMNCAH and Primary Health Care at large, to equip them with skills in advocating for increased investment towards PHC through engaging in public participations to give their views in health sectors and also through memo presentation to decision makers highlighting a problem in health sector that needs interventions.

Speaking to some of the Community Health Promoters after being trained on their involvement in advocacy efforts, they expressed satisfaction with the program, stating that it has brought them into the limelight, helping them realize the crucial role they can play. They affirmed their commitment to advocating for budgetary allocations towards Primary Health Care and RMNCAH initiatives.

Deniss Omondi passionately shared, “I think moving forward, we as Community Health Promoters remain dedicated to ensuring that our health systems are adequately funded and equipped to deliver the best care possible. Advocating for stronger Primary Health Care is not just a duty but instead it is a commitment to the health of our community.”

As  RMNCAH Network takes a crucial step towards revolutionizing Primary Health Care in Bungoma County, it is essential to emphasize the critical role that the County department of health plays in adopting and institutionalizing the Vital Signs Profile (VSP) tool. Additionally, increased investment in local health centers is vital to ensure that every individual has access to comprehensive, accessible, and community-based care. This collective effort is crucial for improving healthcare services and reducing preventable mortality rates in the county.