Efforts by the government of Kenya to upgrade emergency and maternal healthcare got a boost on Wednesday in Nairobi, as it received new ambulances and medical supplies donated by the World Health Organization.
President William Ruto was joined by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and senior ministry officials Dr Ouma Oluga and Mary Muthoni to witness the handover during a brief ceremony at State House Nairobi.
The support forms part of wider Universal Health Coverage reforms the government has been rolling out, particularly in a bid to ensure that referral systems are strengthened and hospitals can respond faster in case of emergencies.
The donation will benefit seven national referral facilities and the National Emergency Response Centre. Officials said the ambulances and supplies will help improve emergency response, increase the availability of medical oxygen, and ease pressure on busy referral hospitals that often struggle to handle high numbers of patients.
Several counties will also be given the same type of vehicles, with Elgeyo Marakwet, Marsabit, Siaya, Samburu and Tana River set to receive ambulances dedicated to reproductive maternal and newborn health services.
The health authorities said the additional support came at a time when the country was working towards reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths, improving its readiness for outbreaks such as cholera and Mpox.
According to the Ministry of Health, continued collaboration with county governments and development partners remains key as the country strives towards ensuring more Kenyans access quality, reliable healthcare when they need it.
