PS Oluga leads Vihiga outreach as health ministry pushes primary care to advance UHC

The free medical camp is offering residents essential services, with health officials saying the initiative supports the wider push to strengthen primary healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Kenya’s UHC drive, under the Taifa Care programme, is anchored on expanding access to affordable and quality services at the community and primary care level, reducing the cost burden on households and ensuring early detection and treatment of illness.

The government has in recent months intensified the rollout of Primary Care Networks and strengthened community health services, with Community Health Promoters playing a key role in linking households to care through health education, screening, referrals and follow-up.

Health officials say medical camps and targeted outreach clinics complement facility-based care by bringing services closer to residents, especially in areas where access is limited by distance or cost.

The Maragoli Hills Marathon initiative also reflects a growing trend of partnering community events with health services to boost turnout, improve public awareness and encourage preventive care.