By Agwanda Jowi .

THE US Agency for International Development has disbursed Sh. 120 billion to improve health care system in Western Kenya.

The five year project under AIDS, Population and Health Integrated Assistance (APHIAplus) will cover all districts in Nyanza and Western provinces.

The project aims to improve and expand sustainable facility based services for HIV, TB, reproductive health, family planning, malaria and maternal child health.

Western Kenya APHIAplus director Dr. Ambrose Misore says they will work closely with the government and a wide variety of non governmental agencies to strengthen health care services throughout the two provinces.

Misore says that studies have shown that diseases such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis are causing greater suffering and death in Western Kenya than any other part of the country.

He says that they will also improve and expand civil society activities to increase healthier behaviors, including prevention programs that target at risk populations.

Speaking during the launch of the program in Kisumu, Misore announced that the [project will also improve home and community support program for people and families infected and affected by HIV/Aids, including orphans and other vulnerable children.

He says that this is the USAID’s largest health investments to Kenya under the

US president Barrack Obama’s Global Health Initiative.

ENDS