Ministry of Health, PATH renew commitment to healthcare delivery

By Peter Ochieng

The Ministry of Health and Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) Kenya have renewed their commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in Kenya.

The focus will now be on supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

In a meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa and PATH Kenya’s leadership, led by Carolyne Njuguna, East Africa Regional Hub Director, discussed strategies to expand primary healthcare networks, and address pressing health challenges.

Dr. Barasa addressed the need to enhance health service delivery, particularly by training community health promoters, advancing social health authority registration, and improving Kenya’s response to public health threats, such as Mpox and Marburg virus outbreaks.

“Partnerships are essential for the success of Kenya’s UHC reforms, which are central to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” said the CS.

On her part, Njuguna outlined PATH Kenya’s contributions, including Tuberculosis (TB) service delivery under the USAID Nuru ya Mtoto project.

She noted that the project has supported over 92,000 clients, alongside the rollout of the malaria vaccine. She also noted PATH’s work in implementing the Primary Healthcare Act and developing Kenya’s digital health strategy.

Meanwhile, stakeholders met for a pivotal meeting on lead exposure mitigation strategies, as part of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action.

The event, presided over by Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, underscored Kenya’s commitment to eliminating lead exposure and safeguarding future generations.

“There is no safe level of exposure to lead, and the harmful effects, especially on children, are unacceptable. This is a moment for us to unite and accelerate our efforts,’ said the PS.

She called for further collaboration with development partners to support diagnostic infrastructure.

“We need to establish screening for lead in blood among high-risk groups, but we are resource-constrained. We appeal to our partners to join us in this critical endeavour.”

The meeting, the PS added, served as a crucial step towards Kenya’s vision of a healthier, lead-free future.