- Most countries have developed comparable modus operandi.
- This has helped governments to address silo mentality especially whilst addressing cross-cutting challenges.
Image: HANDOUT
The “Delivering as one” approach has emerged as a key imperative in the development agenda of most countries.
It is an approach that upholds intergovernmental collaborations.
It emanated from the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence aimed at strengthening the UN’s ability to respond to the challenges of the 21st Century.
Most countries have developed comparable modus operandi. This has helped governments to address silo mentality especially whilst addressing cross-cutting challenges.
Suffice it to say that most health challenges are cross-cutting and require the intervention of more than one government ministry.
Health in All Policies (HiAP) is a concerted approach that systematically takes health considerations into policymaking across sectors to improve population health and health equity.
This approach is similar to the UN’s approach of delivering as one. It helps break the barrier of silo mentality.
Social, environmental, and economic determinants of health go beyond the health sector and health policies.
HiAP denotes that policy in every sector of government can potentially influence health and inequities in health.
Kenya, as a member of WHO, has dedicated to implementing HiAP and has included it in the Kenya Health Policy, 2014-2030.
According to WHO, this framework provides countries with a practical means of enhancing a coherent approach to Health in All Policies (HiAP), particularly at a national level.
This emphasises the consequences of public policies on health systems, determinants of health, and well-being.
Kenya like most developing countries is confronted by various health challenges that are influenced by various social, environmental, and economic determinants.
The implementation of inter-sectoral action aimed at health promotion remains a challenge to the government despite efforts made.
HiAP though not pronounced remains domiciled at the Ministry of Health and little is known in other government ministries making its implementation a mirage.
There are health-related collaborations under the concept of delivering as one that are also anchored under Kenya’s development framework – Vision 2030. However, there is no particular reference to HiAP.
It is commendable that President William Ruto, Health CS Susan Nakuminchia and the Chairperson of The Council of Governors Ann Waiguru have been advocating for collaboration as an ingredient in the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Health CS emphasized this during the 20th Health Sector Intergovernmental Consultative Forum.
Even as advocacy for HiAP should be given priority partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders who can fit in the framework should be observed to cast the net wider for greater realization of better health outcomes.
Mainstreaming the HiAP strategy in Kenya requires deliberate effort by the government, especially creating the HiAP office anchored in the office of the President, Deputy President, or Prime Minister to give it high-level oversight being an intergovernmental framework.
Eliud Muriithi is the Director of Commercial Services at KEMSA