Kenya is changing how it handles health emergencies, with the government now placing more emphasis on prevention rather than waiting to respond after problems occur. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the country wants to be better prepared to address health threats early and avoid bigger crises.
Speaking in Nairobi at the launch of new health plans, Duale said good systems are essential for protecting not only the lives of Kenyans but also the economy. He cited the Kenya National Public Health Institute as an essential part of this system, saying it will assist in bringing together disease monitoring, labs, and emergency response under one system.
He said this is because the institute is already underway, with steps being taken in leadership, structure, and funding.
The new plans are set to shape Kenya’s data use, emergency response, and communications. They also focus on the “One Health” concept, which examines the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.
At the same time, Duale stated that the country has managed to achieve success in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage, as over 30 million people are registered under the Social Health Authority. He further stated that the country is expanding in the region, as key health institutions are setting up base in the country.
Going into the future, the government stated that it will bring experts together through a health security meeting to assist in the making of future plans.
The meeting was attended by various officials from different organizations.
