In a landmark move toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, reassured the National Assembly Committee for Health of the Ministry’s readiness for the upcoming launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) on October 1, 2024.
With all essential measures in place, including the passage of key laws, development of a benefits package, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art digital platform, the stage is set for a seamless transition.
Dr. Barasa acknowledged the invaluable support of the National Assembly throughout the planning process, emphasizing the importance of continued backing for the SHA’s implementation.
She stressed that SHA’s rollout is critical to making high-quality healthcare accessible to all, driving the nation closer to its UHC goals.
On the ground, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, toured several Community Health Promoters (CHP) training sites in Mavoko, Langata, and Wangige, to assess readiness for SHA services.
As the first point of contact for healthcare at the grassroots level, CHPs are vital in delivering preventive health education and connecting communities to essential services.
Ms. Muthoni highlighted the critical role these frontline workers play in ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from the government’s health initiatives.
With both strategic leadership and community-level efforts in motion, the SHA launch promises to be a game-changer for healthcare in the country, ushering in an era of health equity and quality care for all citizens.
