A group of caregivers for individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Homa Bay County is intensifying its advocacy efforts to draw government attention to combatting these diseases effectively.
The Homa Bay Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Advocacy Chapter is pressing the county government to allocate more substantial funds for addressing these health concerns.
Mercy Kwamboka, the group’s chairperson, highlighted the significant and long-term health implications associated with NCDs, underscoring the necessity for sustained treatment and care.
Joined by her Deputy Gordon Ayata, Co-ordinator Teresa Odero, and communication leader Florence Miyaya, they convened in Homa Bay town to voice their concerns and demands.
Kwamboka expressed worry over the prevailing neglect of NCDs, attributing it to the perception that these diseases do not warrant immediate attention compared to other health emergencies.
To challenge this perception, the group is collaborating with NCDs Alliance Kenya to identify and support sickle cell patients in Homa Bay County.
Asserting that NCDs are indeed severe and merit urgent attention, Kwamboka stressed the importance of altering this mindset.
She advocated for a dedicated allocation of funds in the county’s budget to bolster medication provision and awareness campaigns targeting NCDs.
Furthermore, Kwamboka outlined plans to utilize these funds to equip village health facilities with essential drugs and personnel.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on individuals seeking medical care for NCDs by reducing their travel expenses.
The group issued a heartfelt appeal to the county government, urging it to prioritize NCDs in its budgetary allocations to facilitate the provision of healthcare services at local health centers and dispensaries.
Odero echoed these sentiments, highlighting the prevalent shortage of drugs for managing NCDs in many health facilities.
Ayata emphasized the critical role of sensitization campaigns in curbing the prevalence of NCDs, emphasizing the need to address lifestyle factors contributing to their emergence.
He called upon policymakers and health promotion organizations to invest substantially in sensitization efforts to enhance preventive measures against NCDs.
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