Kenya is stepping up efforts to better prepare for disease outbreaks and other health threats, with leaders and experts meeting in Mombasa for the ongoing Kenya Health Security Convention.
The meeting, organised by the Kenya National Public Health Institute, has brought together policymakers, researchers, health workers and development partners to discuss how to turn ideas and policies into real action on the ground.
Speaking during the opening, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, who represented Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, said recent outbreaks have shown the need for the country to always stay prepared.
According to him, Kenya is focusing on areas such as surveillance, laboratory services, response mechanisms, and collaboration between the central and county government levels of governance.
“In my view, it is important that preparedness be integrated within the system instead of being seen as an aspect which will be considered only in the time of crisis,” he said.
At the discussion, participants emphasized the need for various sectors to cooperate in creating a robust response mechanism because health matters are connected to agriculture, environment, water, and other sectors.
KNPHI also had its fair share of focus as its role in setting research directions, coordinating laboratory work, and informing decisions through data analysis was underscored.
The leaders within Parliament stated that they would continue providing support to the organization through legislative and financial means, while the development partners urged for continued collaboration.
The convention is aimed at coming up with tangible measures that can facilitate improvements in preventive, detection, and response efforts by the country.
The convention brings together members from various stakeholders, including government authorities, development partners, international organizations, U.S. Embassy, and the World Health Organization.