The government has signed a new deal with the Kenya Red Cross Society in a move expected to improve emergency response and strengthen health services across the country.
The agreement with the Ministry of Health brings the two sides together to work more closely on key health services that affect everyday Kenyans..
“The MoU will go a long way in accelerating the process of advancing toward Universal Health Coverage,” said Health CS Aden Duale.
He said the focus now is on proper planning and making sure the plans are implemented
Part of the plan includes improving emergency response, especially through a new ambulance dispatch centre that is almost complete. Once complete, the centre is expected to help patients get help faster during emergencies.
The deal will also support training of health workers, improve sanitation in communities, and help people deal with health risks linked to climate change
The government will also look at ways to utilize technology to enhance the delivery of health services, particularly in rural areas where healthcare remains elusive.
According to Ahmed Idris, Secretary General of Kenya Red Cross, their organization is willing to assist the government in increasing the coverage of essential health services.
A joint team will be established to monitor and coordinate all activities and ensure that the initiative is successful
The issue of blood shortage also came up, and both parties decided to boost the collection of blood to aid in the operations of health facilities.
The partnership is expected to help improve health services and reach more Kenyans.