The County Government of Siaya, under the leadership of Governor James Orengo, today joined the rest of the world in marking World Pneumonia Day 2025 at the Siaya Medical Training College (MTC) Grounds, in an event that brought together health experts, development partners, and community leaders united under the global call to “Defeat Pneumonia – Every Breath Counts, Every Action Matters.”
Governor Orengo, who was represented by a high-powered County delegation led by Health Services CEC Dr. Martin Konyango, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure and preventive care to combat pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses across the county.
The County team included CECs Prof. Jacqueline Oduol (Environment, Water & Irrigation), Maurice Otieno McOrege (Lands & Physical Planning), Agunda Ochanda (Governance, ICT & Administration), and Sylvester Kokoth (Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries). Also present were Chief Officer for Health Dr. Samuel Omondi, Director of Public Health Mr. Ken Orwenjo, Director of Medical Services Dr. Eunice Fwaya, and several other County Health Management Team (CHMT) members.
Representing the National Government was Director General of Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, who led a team from the Ministry of Health. He lauded Siaya County for its continued collaboration with national and international health agencies in improving community health outcomes.
Supporting partners present included WHO, UNICEF, JHPIEGO, CHAI, KEMRI, Living Goods, and Save the Children, all of whom reiterated their commitment to working with local governments to reduce pneumonia-related deaths through vaccination drives, awareness creation, and early diagnosis initiatives.
According to the Ministry of Health and WHO statistics, pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death in children under five, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South-East Asia. Kenya’s current infection rate stands at approximately 14 percent, translating to 8,000–12,000 deaths annually.
Common symptoms include chest pains, persistent cough, fever and chills, shortness of breath, and general body weakness. Experts at the event urged parents to seek immediate medical attention when such signs appear, rather than resorting to self-medication.
Dr. Konyango, speaking on behalf of Governor Orengo, highlighted the County’s ongoing efforts to reduce pneumonia prevalence.
“Under the Nyalore administration, we have accelerated the upgrading of health facilities, expanded immunization coverage, and enhanced community health outreach through our Nyamrerwa program,” said Dr. Konyango. “Clean environments and timely vaccinations remain our best defense.”
Governor Orengo’s Nyalore Health Agenda places a strong emphasis on improving healthcare infrastructure and access, with a focus on child and maternal health. The County’s continued investment in hospitals, dispensaries, and public health programs is already helping curb the burden of preventable diseases like pneumonia.
As the event came to a close, participants lit symbolic candles to honor those who have lost their lives to pneumonia and to reaffirm their collective resolve to protect every child’s right to breathe freely.
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