The government remains committed to maintaining essential health services and responding to emerging disease threats through the ongoing efforts to strengthen health service delivery for all Kenyans.
While providing routine key weekly updates on vital health initiatives at Afya House, Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Deborah Barasa underscored Kenya’s proactive steps in the face of evolving global health challenges and financial shifts that impact healthcare access and sustainability.
Dr. Barasa emphasized that the government has put in place measures to counter the threats of emerging infectious disease including the Mpox outbreak in Kenya, the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Uganda, and the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania.
She noted that Kenya, situated in a dynamic regional environment, faces heightened exposure to cross-border disease threats.
“We recognize that global health security begins at home. Our preparedness strategy emphasizes rapid surveillance, border screening, response coordination, and collaboration with global partners to safeguard the health of our people” highlighted Dr. Barasa.
Further, the CS disclosed that the journey towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has prompted the establishment of the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP) domiciled at the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) at the University of Nairobi where the panel will serve as a critical advisory body to guide decisions around the Social Health Insurance (SHA) program.
“The panel brings together experts in health economics, epidemiology, actuarial science, and health sciences, and their mandate will be to review and recommend health benefit packages to ensure comprehensive care, advising on fair pricing and tariffs for health services, and monitoring the program’s impact for continuous improvement,” she announced.
Dr. Barasa explained that through conducting rigorous Health Technology Assessments (HTAs), the BPTAP will help prioritize cost-effective and high-impact interventions.
“This approach will guide resource allocation to ensure Kenyans receive quality care without compromising financial sustainability,” she added.
Additionally, the CS stated that the Ministry is fostering strong partnerships across government, academia, private sectors and civil society to ensure transparency, accountability and diverse stakeholder input which will enhance quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
“The BPTAP’s work will be a significant step towards making healthcare more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Kenyans,” the CS reiterated, adding that a financially sustainable SHA program that adapts to emerging healthcare challenges and strengthened collaboration with key stakeholders, will advance healthcare reforms
Speaking at the event, Health Director General (DG), Dr. Patrick Amoth said that the Government remains committed to maintaining essential health services, including programs for HIV, TB, malaria, and other critical conditions, despite shifting global health landscapes.
“Recent funding uncertainties and international policy changes particularly from the United States (US) Government present challenges but Kenya is proactively engaging with internal and external stakeholders to develop strategies that safeguard service continuity and promote sustainable healthcare financing,” assured the DG.
Dr. Amoth announced that the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been activated, and the existing Mpox task force repurposed to manage the Ebola response, with both national and county Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) on heightened alert.
“Following the recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda, with its epicenter in Kampala, Kenya remains on high alert due to potential cross-border health risks,” he affirmed, disclosing that Uganda has so far reported 9 confirmed cases, and 265 contacts under quarantine.
The DG added that Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and surge teams including 85 trained personnel from the Africa Volunteer Health Corps are on standby for immediate deployment.
In addition, Dr. Amoth revealed that stringent screening measures have been established at critical border points including Busia, Malaba, Suam and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with special arrival zones being designated for travelers from Uganda to minimize potential exposure risks.
He also pointed out that laboratory systems have been activated to ensure the swift diagnosis of suspected cases, maintaining that Kenya remains resolute in protecting public health and containing potential threats.
On the current burden of cervical cancer in Kenya, the DG emphasized that prevention remains one of the most powerful tools in combating cervical cancer through MoH, the National Immunization and Vaccine Program (NVIP) and the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP), which have taken significant steps toward improving access to HPV vaccination.
“We have transitioned to a single-dose HPV vaccination regime, which offers effective protection against cervical cancer. We therefore urge parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible girls aged 10 to 15 years receive this life-saving vaccine” he echoed.
Dr. Amoth stressed that the fight against cervical cancer requires a united front with informed advocacy and collaboration which can significantly reduce cervical cancer cases and save lives.
By Clinton Ng’iela and Emmanuel Mbuthia