Kenya's initiative to strengthen emergency response capabilities received a significant boost with the graduation of 73 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) on Friday.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Kenya Medical Training College, alongside St. John's Ambulance, the joint effort aims to enhance the nation's emergency response capabilities, particularly in anticipation of challenges like the El Nino rains.
St. John's Ambulance has played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of such disasters on Kenyan communities.
Their focus on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Response involves providing crucial emergency medical assistance, relief, and support to affected areas.
This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to bolstering the country's resilience in the face of unforeseen emergencies.
Presiding over the event, PS Public Health and Professional Standards at the ministry Mary Muthoni acknowledged that Kenya grapples with an array of natural and man-made disasters from droughts and floods to landslides, fires and epidemics.
These adversities, she said, exert a profound impact on Kenya's economy, infrastructure, and most importantly its people.
“Compromised access to nutrition, clean water shortages, and heightened risks of diseases stemming from prolonged dry spells contribute to food insecurity and malnutrition,” Muthoni said.
“Moreover, the threat of floods is an equal concern as it has affected over 19 million people and caused an estimated more than Sh200 billion (Usd1.5B) in destruction in the country,” she added.
From 2012 to 2019, the institution has accomplished the successful training of 512 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), arming them with the essential skills and knowledge required for prompt and efficient response.
This ongoing training initiative is part of a collaborative program between the institution and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), addressing the rising need for Human Resources for Health in the country, aligned with the recently launched Universal Health Coverage agenda.
This strategic partnership has facilitated the development of the Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Vehicle Operator’s curriculum.
This curriculum underwent thorough stakeholder engagement and is currently being implemented, contributing significantly to the nation's efforts to enhance emergency response capabilities and support the broader healthcare objectives under the Universal Health Coverage agenda.
In addition, PS Muthoni has underscored the critical role played by St John in training first responders and volunteers in the community who can be deployed during emergencies and disasters.
“The Ministry of Health will continue developing suitable frameworks to coordinate health emergencies and disasters,” she said.
The PS noted that the Institution being an expert in this field will continue complementing the ministry in implementing various priorities as envisaged by the St. John Ambulance Act.