Siaya County has taken a significant step towards strengthening healthcare for residents living with chronic illnesses by entering into a new partnership aimed at boosting access to diabetes and hypertension medication. The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Medical Mobilisation Board (CMMB) Kenya, is designed to reduce the long and costly journeys patients often endure when seeking essential treatment in major hospitals.
The agreement prioritizes the availability of critical drugs in rural health facilities, ensuring that individuals managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can receive medication closer to their homes. County health officials have confirmed that the first batch of supplies has already been delivered to various health centers, marking an immediate relief for many patients.
The County Executive for Health emphasized that this partnership represents a milestone in Siaya’s broader healthcare agenda. By improving drug availability at the grassroots level, the county seeks not only to ease the financial and logistical burden on patients but also to encourage strict adherence to prescribed treatment plans. This, in turn, is expected to improve long-term health outcomes for people living with non-communicable diseases.
As part of the arrangement, health facility managers have been tasked with ensuring that the drugs reach only the intended beneficiaries. This accountability measure is aimed at preventing misuse and guaranteeing that the supplies serve those most in need. To ensure sustainability, the county government has committed to gradually taking full responsibility for the continuous supply of essential medicines once CMMB Kenya’s initial support phases out.
The partnership also emphasizes the importance of accurate medical data to support effective drug quantification. Reliable data will help prevent both over-supply, which leads to wastage, and under-supply, which leaves patients without critical treatment. By focusing on medicine access, data optimization, and supply chain strengthening, the collaboration aims to create a robust and sustainable model for managing chronic conditions within the county.
This initiative reflects Siaya’s broader commitment to expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas where non-communicable diseases are rising yet resources remain limited. By prioritizing chronic disease management through reliable medicine access, the county hopes to reduce preventable complications, improve quality of life, and set an example for other regions facing similar challenges.
