The County Government of Garissa today hosted a high-level delegation from UNICEF Kenya, led by Dr. Luigi D’Aquino, the Chief of Health at the UNICEF Kenya Country Office, on a visit to assess the progress of health programs and partnerships in the county.
The visit focused on the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) established in Garissa Sub-County with UNICEF’s support, an initiative designed to strengthen healthcare delivery by linking community health units to higher-level referral facilities.
The team toured the Garissa Township PCN, which connects Level 1 community units to the Level 5 Garissa Referral Hospital, creating a seamless system that ensures residents receive timely, coordinated, and quality healthcare.
Speaking during the visit, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Ahmednathir Omar lauded UNICEF’s continued partnership, noting that the networks are transforming healthcare access, particularly for women and children in remote and underserved areas.
“UNICEF has been a true partner in transforming healthcare delivery in Garissa. These networks are already improving access to quality care, especially for mothers and children who previously had to travel long distances for treatment,” said Omar.
Dr. D’Aquino commended Garissa’s leadership in strengthening its health system and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the county’s health agenda.
“Our goal is to ensure every child, woman, and family can access care without barriers. Garissa’s leadership in health system strengthening is a model for other counties,” he said.
The Primary Care Network approach has been instrumental in building resilient health systems by ensuring better coordination between community health workers and referral hospitals.
It promotes preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and efficient referral systems, all of which contribute to improved health outcomes.
The partnership between Garissa County and UNICEF continues to enhance healthcare delivery, build community trust, and ensure that no resident is left behind in the journey toward achieving universal health coverage.