Kalobeyei Health Facility prepares to prevent spread of COVID-19, whilst continuing to deliver health services to both refugees and Kenyans

The Kalobeyei Health Facility started its operations in 2019 and currently offers comprehensive out-patient services to both refugee and the host communities in Kalobeyei settlement and its surrounding areas. The construction of the health facility was funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) and its operation is made possible through the financial support of the EU and other donors.

The Kalobeyei Health Facility currently plays a crucial role in preventing the outbreak and the spread of COVID-19 in the area. In order to best respond to the current crisis, hygiene measures in the facility have been improved, for example, by establishing additional water and hand washing points. The health facility staff, as well as UNHCR staff on location, are also communicating on COVID-19 prevention, including social distancing and hygiene measures.

The facility, which is also supported by the Ministry of Health of Kenya, continues to play a crucial role in providing comprehensive primary health care services to refugees and host communities alike.

The Kalobeyei Settlement was established in 2015 in Turkana West, Kenya, to accommodate the growing population of the Kakuma Refugee Camps. The settlement was set up based on the principles of refugee self-reliance, integrated delivery of services to refugees and host community members, and greater support for livelihood opportunities through evidence-based interventions. It's approach aligns with and is an example of the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees in the Horn of Africa region.