Kenya committed to implementing UHC - CS Wafula tells World Health Assembly

Kenya has reiterated her commitment to accelerate the implementation of Universal Health Coverage.

Speaking during the ongoing 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Health CS Susan Wafula said Kenya is focusing on investing in primary healthcare while at the same time integrating mental health services.

Key on the agenda is also strengthening the country’s national capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response keeping in mind the lessons learned from Covid-19.

“Building on our achievements in addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases, Kenya has embarked on a transformative path, shifting our focus from curative measures to the primacy of preventive and promotive health,” the CS told the Assembly.

“The Kenyan government is investing in our health workforce, with a focus on Community Health Promoters who are well trained, fit for purpose and motivated to deliver health services at community level."

According to the CS, the government is reviewing the country’s health financing to ensure sustainable financing through Social Health Insurance, while prioritising vulnerable and marginalised populations.

She noted that as countries negotiate a new Pandemic Treaty, there is a need to first seek to address gaps that hampered efforts to mount an effective response during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Further, she noted that Kenya plans to strengthen health commodity security by investing in local manufacturing to increase access and affordability of essential health commodities.

“Leveraging on integrated digital technologies, we aim to deliver efficient healthcare services while ensuring end-to-end visibility and accountability in the supply chain pipeline system,” she said.