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The County Government of Kitui has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling snakebite-related health challenges through an enhanced partnership with the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE). On Tuesday, county officials hosted a high-level delegation from KIPRE, led by Board Research Committee Chair Prof. Johnson Kang’ethe and Director General Dr. Gichuhi Mwethera.
The strategic meeting aimed to bolster collaborative efforts in managing Snakebite Envenoming (SBE). Key discussions included the implementation of the Prior Informed Consent and Mutually Agreed Terms (PIC & MAT) agreement, and aligning snakebite intervention strategies with Kitui’s broader healthcare priorities.
KIPRE is currently conducting sensitization sessions for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and will provide clinical training for frontline health workers focused on evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of SBE.
In addition, a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session is scheduled for Friday at Mwingi Level IV Hospital, targeting all medical and clinical personnel.
Governor Dr. Julius Malombe lauded KIPRE’s proactive role in combating snakebite cases and pledged continued support from the county government. Kitui’s high population of venomous snakes places the region among the country’s snakebite hotspots, underscoring the urgency of such partnerships.
