Kisumu County has taken another decisive step toward achieving equitable and accessible healthcare through a strategic partnership with global pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson.

The partnership, officials say, seeks to strengthen community health indicators by leveraging innovation, data integration and grassroots-level health interventions.

It will focus on improving mental health services, expanding screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhancing the capacity of Community Health Workers and Promoters across the county.

Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili said the county remains committed to ensuring that no resident is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.

“Our administration is expanding access to quality healthcare by strengthening community health indicators through strategic partnerships and timely interventions,” he said.

The discussions, held with Johnson & Johnson’s Head of Global Health Equity, Howard Reid, focused on scaling innovative solutions to drive equitable health outcomes and ensure timely emergency responses.

The meeting was attended by Kisumu’s County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. Gregory Ganda, his Governance and Administration counterpart, Salmon Orimba, as well as representatives from Living Goods and the County Health Department.

Dr. Ganda noted that the integration of real-time health data has already begun transforming service delivery.

“We can now respond to emergencies faster and plan more effectively for community health needs. This partnership will take that effort to the next level,” he said.

The collaboration is expected to empower local health promoters with tools and knowledge to detect diseases early, promote preventive care and strengthen the referral system between communities and health facilities.

Residents are optimistic that the move will translate into improved health outcomes, reduced disease burden and a more resilient healthcare system that caters to every household, right from the grassroots.