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UNICEF-Backed Programme Targets 50,000 Children for Disease Screening in Vihiga and Isiolo

Kelvin Kibet

October 8, 2026. A three-year programme supported by UNICEF plans to screen nearly 50,000 children and adolescents aged 0–19 in Vihiga and Isiolo for four non-communicable diseases. The target is 30,000 children in Vihiga and 20,000 in Isiolo; the programme is valued at US$600,000, according to county health officials cited by the Kenya News Agency.

Which conditions are included?

The planned screening covers type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, asthma and heart conditions. Vihiga County NCD Coordinator Mike Olonyo Endovo said the initiative was developed after officials identified gaps in screening and management of childhood NCDs. Clinical Officer Sophie Omutere said the programme also aims to improve awareness among parents, teachers and caregivers.

Early identification can help a child get assessed and connected to care. Screening alone does not confirm every diagnosis; a positive result may need further tests and a clinical review. Families should continue prescribed care for existing conditions and seek medical advice from qualified health workers.

Where and when will screening take place?

The October 8 announcement gives county targets but does not list facility locations, dates, consent arrangements or how children will be selected. It should therefore be treated as a programme plan, not evidence that screening is already available at every school or clinic. Parents should confirm schedules with their county health department or a participating facility before travelling.

Questions parents can ask

  • Which age groups and locations are included in the first phase?
  • Is a parent or guardian’s consent required, and what records should be brought?
  • What happens if a child needs confirmatory tests or specialist care?
  • Who will contact the family with results and follow-up instructions?
  • Are there any costs for screening, tests or referral visits?

These details matter because screening only benefits children when a positive result leads to clear follow-up. The programme announcement says caregivers’ materials are being developed and validated, and that support groups and sensitisation for teachers, parents and caregivers are also planned.

What has been confirmed so far

The figures in this report are programme targets and statements attributed to officials at a media sensitisation session at Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital. The announcement does not provide completed screening totals or a public rollout calendar. Daily Report KE has not independently audited the programme budget or screening records.

Source

Kenya News Agency: UNICEF to screen 50,000 children in Vihiga and Isiolo

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Kelvin Kibet

Kelvin Kibet is a journalist and multimedia professional with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital media, content production, and newsroom operations.As Editor-in-Chief of Daily Report KE, Kelvin provides editorial leadership and oversees the quality, accuracy, and integrity of the platform's published content. He works with the editorial team to ensure that stories are properly reviewed, fact-checked, contextualized, and presented in accordance with professional journalistic standards.His responsibilities include supervising reporting processes, coordinating newsroom operations, reviewing stories before publication, strengthening editorial procedures, and maintaining standards of accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism.Kelvin has experience in news reporting, digital journalism, multimedia storytelling, video production, community journalism, and editorial management. He is committed to producing informative, accurate, and public-interest content for Daily Report KE's readers.Areas of Expertise News Reporting Digital Journalism Multimedia Storytelling Investigative Reporting Community Journalism Editorial Management Video Production Content Production Key Responsibilities Editorial leadership and oversight Story review and publishing standards Fact-checking and verification Newsroom coordination Editorial planning and content development Newsroom ethics and quality control Maintaining accuracy and responsible journalism

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