The Bomet County government has assured that the Health function will not be affected by budget cuts occasioned by underfunding.

Governor Hillary Barchok instead pointed out that the sector will be allocated additional funds, since it is his priority.

Speaking during the opening of the 3rd annual HIV prevention Forum at the Longisa County Referral Hospital, he observed that good health is key for development of any nation.

“Health is our priority and I want to give an assurance that the Health sector will not be affected by budget cuts. The cuts will be recurrent in nature. We have our priority and there are things we can forego,” said Barchok.

Barchok cited underfunding and frequent strikes as major challenges in the provision of services to people living with HIV but assured that they are working on ways to address the challenges.

Regional HIV/AIDS Coordinator Jack Aliech on his part expressed hope the seminar will address issues around HIV integration and how integration can be used to ensure HIV patients can get quality and sustained services.

“The fight against HIV is a collective responsibility. We are meeting here to look into issues around HIV Integration and how integration can be used to ensure that people living with HIV are able to get quality and sustained services,” stated Aliech. 

County Health Executive Joseph Sitonik welcomed the seminar, saying the participants are satisfied by the elaborate health programs set by the county.

The theme of the forum, which has been held in Baringo, Nakuru and now Bomet, and bringing together Health Professionals from 8 counties, is Building Bridges; Riding on the Universal Health Coverage Platform to Deliver integrated, Quality, Equitable and Sustainable HIV services. 

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