Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital has led by example in promoting child-friendly healthcare.
The facility has set a standard for dignified and compassionate medical services for children.
Following the hospital’s lead, six other public health facilities across Garissa County have established child-friendly play areas to support young patients during treatment and recovery.
Garissa County’s health system comprises one county referral hospital, seven sub-county hospitals, 56 dispensaries, and 21 health centres, alongside 123 private clinics and nursing homes.
The county also hosts the world’s largest refugee complex in Dadaab, which is served by three hospitals and eight health posts.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said the initiative will transform sections of health facilities into safe and nurturing spaces where children can play while waiting for or recovering from treatment.
Yunis Dekow, Chief of Press Service of Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital, said the child-friendly approach helps reduce fear and anxiety, improves cooperation during medical care, and supports faster emotional recovery.
“This is particularly for children accessing immunisation, outpatient services, and long-term treatment,” he said.
Dekow noted that integrating play and psychosocial support into routine care aligns with global best practices for child-centred healthcare.
The initiative is being implemented by the Garissa County Department of Health with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as part of broader efforts to enhance humane, people-first service delivery.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has expressed his desire to leave behind a strong healthcare legacy by establishing an efficient, integrated, high-quality, and affordable health system by the end of his term.
Since his election in the last general polls, the governor has prioritised preventive healthcare at the community and household levels through a strengthened health system.
The county Department of Health Services has reaffirmed its commitment to completing stalled health projects and equipping facilities.
This will ensure continuous supply of health commodities, investment in human resource recruitment and capacity building, and improving timely maternal referrals.
