GARISSA – The Garissa County Department of Health, with support from UNICEF Kenya, has established child-friendly play areas in six public health facilities.
This is a major step towards realizing a dignified, compassionate healthcare for children across the county.
Implemented under the DICE project, the initiative has transformed sections of health centres into safe, nurturing spaces where children can play as they wait for or recover from treatment.
The approach helps reduce fear and anxiety, improves cooperation during care, and supports faster emotional recovery—especially for children visiting facilities for immunisation, outpatient services, or long-term treatment.
Garissa County Health leaders noted that integrating play and psychosocial support into routine care aligns with global best practice for child-centred healthcare.
The County Department of Health underscored its commitment to humane, people-first service delivery.
DICE Services include HIV testing and counselling, antiretroviral therapy (ART) care, family planning, PrEP distribution, condom and lubricant provision, and cancer screening.
