Bungoma County is taking center stage as a trailblazer in advancing Primary Health Care (PHC), demonstrating that strategic innovation and commitment to collaboration can yield transformative results. At the heart of this success is the Vital Signs Profile (VSP) tool, an innovative, data-driven system that monitors and evaluates health indicators. This tool, customized by Bungoma County from the World Health Organization (WHO), has earned recognition as a best practice by the Council of Governors.

At the PHC Learning and Sharing Forum, Bungoma County proudly showcased the VSP tool as a proven innovation for strengthening PHC. This forum, supported by the Council of Governors had brought together 14 counties to exchange best practices, with Bungoma leading the way in demonstrating how technology and data can revolutionize healthcare.

RMNCAH Network being at the forefront of advocating for the adoption of the Vital Signs Profile (VSP) tool, which is central to its ongoing project, Vital Signs Profile for Stronger Primary Healthcare. One of the objectives of this project is to ensure Bungoma County consistently tracks primary health care (PHC) indicators through regular reviews and updates of the tool. The ultimate goal is to scale up its implementation across all 10 sub-counties. The success achieved thus far underscores the effectiveness of a multisectoral approach, with departmental heads collaboratively leveraging the VSP tool to make informed decisions.

Director for health and Sanitation, Dr. Caleb Watta credits RMNCAH Network for its pivotal role in supporting the establishment of the Primary Health Care Technical Working Group. “This platform has fostered quarterly review meetings where stakeholders can monitor progress, identify gaps, and devise strategies to strengthen PHC,” Says the director, Watta emphasizes that the simplicity and adaptability of the VSP tool make it invaluable for tracking comprehensive health indicators, bridging gaps across the health system.

Bungoma County’s progress caught the attention of the Council of Governors, in which it was resolved that every county adopts the VSP tool as a model for monitoring PHC performance. The Council lauded the tool’s ability to leverage data for evidence-based governance, service delivery, and health financing.

Speaking ahead of the forum, Deputy Governor Jenipher Mbatiany reiterated the county’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She highlighted the critical role of PHC as the foundation of health systems, providing equitable and essential services at the community level. Mbatiany noted that reliable data from the VSP tool allows policymakers to assess PHC impact, identify gaps, and implement evidence-based improvements.

“By leveraging technology, we can gather, analyse, and use data to improve PHC,” she said, emphasizing the need for sustainable financing and the operationalization of Primary Care Networks (PCNs)

While Bungoma County has successfully scaled the VSP tool across its sub-counties, challenges persist. PHC Coordinator Doreen Kinanga noted that only two Primary Care Networks have been established, with financial constraints hindering the rollout to all ten sub-counties. Despite these hurdles, the commitment to expanding and strengthening PHC remains unwavering.

Moses Ouma, Project Coordinator for the VSP for PHC project, echoed the call for greater stakeholder support, emphasizing that investment in PHC is a collective journey towards achieving UHC.

As Bungoma County leads the way with the VSP tool, its success serves as an inspiration for other counties to prioritize data-driven strategies in healthcare. The recognition of the VSP tool as a best practice by the Council of Governors underscores its potential to transform health systems, not just in Bungoma but across Kenya.

With the continued support of stakeholders, policymakers, and communities, Bungoma County’s innovative use of the VSP tool stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, technology, and determination in building resilient health systems. The journey towards universal health coverage begins with a strong foundation in primary health care and Bungoma County is showing the nation how it’s done.