Ministry of Health launches regional health resilience project with World Bank support

The Ministry of Health led by Susan Nakhumicha Wednesday unveiled the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project (HEPRR) for Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE), initiating Phase I of the Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA).

This initiative, backed by the World Bank, was lauded for its vital role in promoting regional collaboration to enhance health security.

Officials noted that the project aligns with the African Union Health Strategy 2016-2030 and the Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order, marking a significant step toward achieving continental health objectives.

CS Nakhumicha emphasized the importance of strengthening regional health systems to effectively respond to emergencies and build resilience.

She reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a fundamental development goal, with ongoing initiatives spearheaded by President Dr. William Ruto.

The Health Minister stressed the critical role of preparedness in achieving promotive and preventive health objectives, highlighting the project’s alignment with these aims.

She in addition urged all stakeholders to support the program’s implementation, emphasizing the necessity of coordinated efforts across legislative, workforce development, and public health surveillance domains.

Among the distinguished guests at the launch were Hon. Prof. Yoswa Dambisya, Director-General of ECSA-HC; H.E. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD; H.E. Keith E. Hansen, Country Director of the World Bank in Kenya; and Medical Services Principal Secretary Mr. Harry Kimtai, among others.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to constructing resilient and robust health systems, ensuring equitable, affordable, and accessible health service delivery for all citizens across the region.