AMPATH Donates Equipment to Busia County

Busia County received equipment worth Sh 6.2 million.

On Tuesday 7th December 2021, the Busia County Ministry of Health received assorted equipment worth Sh 6.2 million from the AMPATH partnership. The donation was enabled through sustainability support from USAID since 2014, as well as other corporate and individual supporters. The items will benefit nine public health facilities in Bunyala Sub-County and support Bunyala to strengthen their health system.

The handing over ceremony held at the Port Victoria Hospital was graced by the County Health Management team led by the Busia Deputy Governor, Moses Mulomi, who is also the acting CEC for Health. He received the items from AMPATH’s Sustainability/Health Financing Manager, Benjamin Andama, on behalf of the Chief of Party of USAID AMPATH Uzima, Professor Sylvester Kimaiyo. The consignment consisted of infrared thermo-guns, digital blood pressure machines, office desks, stethoscopes, adult weighing scales, nebulizing machines, finger pulse oximeters, hemoglobin machines and canvas tents. Other items included solar power units, wooden benches for lab waiting areas, fridge guards, metallic cabinets, executive ergonomic low back chairs, and AC cooler.

Interior of the Mobile Diagnostic Xray Unit

During the ceremony, the AMPATH team showcased one of AMPATH’s innovations--the Mobile Diagnostic Xray unit (MDU) truck, which was stationed at Port Victoria Hospital. The MDU recently switched to solar energy to power the x-ray equipment in its mobile diagnostic facility. Solar systems produce a continuous stream of electricity with minimum energy waste. Furthermore, unlike petrol generators, which wear quickly and require frequent repair, clean and renewable solar systems incur low wear and tear and are simple to maintain. The MDU was created as part of AMPATH's population health strategy, with the goal of increasing access to radiography and laboratory services. The first vehicle is now stationed in Busia County. The second truck will be available soon to continue assisting USAID AMPATH Uzima Counties.

AMPATH will continue HIV support in Busia County under the new program USAID Dumisha Afya implemented by MTRH.