Residents of Baringo have been urged to make regular visits to health facilities for routine check-ups to enable early detection and treatment of diseases, particularly non-communicable conditions that may remain unnoticed for long periods.
Baringo County Director of Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Patrick Boruett, made the call during a free medical camp held at Kipsaraman Trading Centre, where more than 500 residents benefited from a range of screening and medical services.
The two-day camp, held on September 10 and 11, was organised through a collaboration between the County Government of Baringo and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), following a commitment made by KEMRI Chief Executive Officer Prof. Elijah Songok during the burial of a KEMRI staff member, the late Barnabas Kimatoi.
KEMRI was represented by Head of the Clinic Division Hellen Ngeno, while the late Kimatois parents, Mzee Kipkiror Kimatoi and his wife, also attended the event.
The outreach attracted residents from Kipsaraman and neighbouring areas, with some elderly residents travelling from as far as Sibilo, Barwessa and Bartabwa to access the services.
Screening conducted during the camp included blood pressure and random blood sugar checks, cervical cancer screening through HPV rapid testing and Pap smears, prostate cancer screening, as well as tests for hepatitis B, HIV and malaria. Health workers identified several previously undiagnosed cases of hypertension and elevated blood sugar levels, highlighting the burden of non-communicable diseases within the community.
More than 15 clients with elevated blood sugar levels were referred to nearby health facilities for further assessment and management. Some residents also recorded elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and were either treated or referred for further evaluation. A significant number of elderly women also took advantage of the opportunity to undergo cervical cancer screening.
Ngeno said the findings demonstrated the importance of taking preventive healthcare closer to communities, while encouraging residents not to wait until they develop symptoms before seeking medical attention.
There are a lot of undiagnosed non-communicable diseases. Theres also a problem with drug adherence among those already diagnosed for which counselling and monitoring should be emphasised going forward, said Ngeno.
She said community-based screening will be accompanied by follow-up by nearby facilities to ensure that people diagnosed with conditions receive appropriate care and remain on treatment.
Mzee Kimatoi urged residents to embrace health education and follow the advice given by healthcare workers, saying early diagnosis helps identify conditions that may otherwise remain unknown.
The exercise also highlighted the need for stronger community-based screening and follow-up, with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) expected to intensify household visits, identify cases early, facilitate referrals and follow up patients to support adherence to treatment.
Dr. Boruett said the County Government will continue investing in the strengthening of community health units and organising more integrated medical outreaches as part of efforts to deepen the countys Primary Health Care network.
The strong turnout, particularly among older residents, underscored the importance of bringing preventive and promotive health services closer to communities while strengthening partnerships between the County Government, national institutions and communities.
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