Patients in 12 counties are set to benefit after the government announced plans to install 22 medical oxygen generation plants to improve emergency and critical care services.
The project will be implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Amref Health Africa as the government steps up efforts to strengthen healthcare under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the plan after meeting an Amref Health Africa delegation led by Group CEO Dr Githinji Gitahi.
“We reviewed the progress of our collaboration in building resilient and equitable health systems, including Amref’s support for the installation of 22 medical oxygen generation plants across 12 underserved counties, strengthening emergency and critical care services,” Duale said.
The new oxygen plants are expected to improve access to life saving treatment, especially in counties that have long struggled with inadequate medical infrastructure. The investment also builds on lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many hospitals faced severe oxygen shortages.
The CS said the meeting also discussed the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative, which aims to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
The two sides also reviewed efforts to strengthen Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who play a key role in delivering primary healthcare services across the country.
Duale further acknowledged the role of Amref International University in training health workers through research, education and capacity building.
“We reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepening this partnership to build a resilient, people centred health system and accelerate our journey towards Universal Health Coverage,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Health Sector Coordination Director Dr Ahmed Albush, Amref International University Vice Chancellor Prof Joachim Osur and other senior government and Amref officials.