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Tag: Health CS Susan Nakhumicha

  • Nairobi: African countries converge to strategize against infectious diseases

    Nairobi: African countries converge to strategize against infectious diseases

    Health Ministers and experts from the Eastern and Southern Africa region have converged in Nairobi in efforts towards strengthening regional health systems for emergency preparedness, response and resilience against infectious diseases.

    Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said that infectious diseases remain a serious health challenge across Africa and particularly the Eastern and Southern African region.

    Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience project (HEPRR) for Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE), Nakhumicha said frequent outbreak of infectious diseases such as Ebola, Marburg, Yellow Fever, and Chikungunya in recent years have continued to exert pressure on healthcare systems, compromising normal service delivery and exerting a huge impact on local economies.

    “Our region has also suffered the impact of climate change and in this the health sector has not been spared. Kenya and the entire East African region is currently experiencing unprecedented flooding that has sadly led to loss of hundreds of lives, injuries and displacement of the people,” said Nakhumicha.

    The CS explained that besides destroying critical health facilities and infrastructure, the floods have cut off millions of people from accessing health services.

    “Appreciating that our health systems are recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and acknowledging that Covid-19 may not be the last such pandemic, it is imperative that as a region, we strategically work together to enhance our health system preparedness,” she said.

    Nakhumicha highlighted that the region must work together to enhance its response and resilience through public health surveillance, pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing, risk communication and community engagement, reduction of gender inequalities and building of resilience to climate-related risks.

    “I am glad to note that the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Program, supported by the World Bank will provide the platform through which our national and collective programmatic outputs will contribute to the continent’s health security,” said Nakhumicha.

    The CS explained that this program’s alignment to the overall African Union Health Strategy 2016-20130; Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order and ECSA-HC strategic plan reaffirms that they are on the right track.

    “The driving force for the successful realisation of this project lies in our governments’ commitment towards ensuring delivery of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a development objective as enshrined in our Constitution and outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 3,” she said.

    The CS continued… “On this I am happy to share that Kenya has made UHC one of the key deliverables of the Government under President Dr. William Ruto. We have initiated key reforms and programmes aimed at realising UHC and one of our key priorities is promotive and preventive health and preparedness will play a key role in these efforts.”

    She said that as this program is being launched, leaders in various capacities in the health sector must realise that the Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts.

    “The onus is on us to support our technical teams as they execute the program components while ensuring harmonisation of legislative, workforce development and public health surveillance efforts where needed,” said the CS.

    Nakhumicha exuded confidence that the meetings’ deliberations will amplify the rallying call for the New Public Health Order, build resilient and robust health systems, while ensuring equitable, affordable, and accessible health service delivery to all citizens.

    Also present were Ministers of Health from Ethiopia, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sao Tome and Principe.

  • Section of MPs threaten to impeach Health CS over ongoing strike

    Section of MPs threaten to impeach Health CS over ongoing strike

    A section of Members of Parliament have threatened to impeach Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha for allegedly handling ongoing strikes in an incompetent manner.

    The threats came on a day the striking doctors vowed not to relent despite a court ruling ordering them back to work.

    The medics have vowed to stay put, accusing the government of failing to end the strike.

    Meanwhile, the Government has pleaded with the doctors to accept its offer to solve the crisis.

    Speaking in Naivasha, Koskei Chief of Staff Felix Koskei said the government could not afford the Ksh 12 billion demand to pay the salaries of over 1,200 interns.

    At the same time, Clinical officers who also went on strike on Monday this week are accusing governors of undermining their right to hold industrial action.

  • Health Ministry receives 940 mobile tablets from WHO

    Health Ministry receives 940 mobile tablets from WHO

    The Ministry of Health has received a donation of 940 mobile tablets from the World Health Organization aimed at bolstering health emergency response efforts.

    Speaking after receiving the donation, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha expressed gratitude to WHO Country Representative, Dr Abdourahmane Diallo for their support towards the digitalization agenda in healthcare.

    The Health Cabinet Secretary said the donation will strengthen the country’s capacity to respond effectively to health crises in efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure.

    “I firmly believe that with collaborations with our development partners like WHO we can make this happen. This is why I am therefore pleased, Dr. Diallo, and wish to sincerely thank you for responding to or request for support in this area and 940 tablets are quite a boost for the work of the National Vaccines and Immunization Program,” said CS Nakhumicha.

    She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to digitizing the entire health sector to enhance visibility of health services, including commodity and human resources management.

    Nakhumicha further stressed need for more partnerships geared towards accelerating efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and response mechanisms in achieving public health goals.

    On her part, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni reiterated the importance of supporting the health digitalization agenda.

    She said the 940 tablets handed over by World Health Organization symbolizes collaborative efforts crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 17 on partnerships.

  • CS Nakhumicha accuses Judiciary of blocking health reforms

    CS Nakhumicha accuses Judiciary of blocking health reforms

    Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has accused the Judiciary of blocking health reforms that are meant to safeguard the lives of Kenya. 

    The CS says the plan to lower the healthcare scheme payment from Ksh 500 to Ksh300 should have been implemented by now but some forces are hell-bent of scuttling the plan.

    Speaking in Kirinyaga during the burial of Gladys Wanjiku, a sister to Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha wondered why a public servant with a comprehensive insurance scheme would ask the courts to halt an initiative intended to help other Kenyans.

    She, however, assured Kenyans that after cases are complete, it will require only a fortnight to implement the program.

    The Head of Public Service Felix Koskei urged Kenyans to invest in education for a better future.

    Despite many remaining jobless, Koskei said the country’s economy is improving hence more jobs will be created as the government also seeks job opportunities abroad.

    Koskei said public coffers are being protected to ensure Kenyans get value for their taxes.

  • All set for Mashujaa day celebrations

    All set for Mashujaa day celebrations

    Preparations for the 60th Mashujaa Day fete slated for Friday, October 20, in Kericho County are in their final stages.

    The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo confirmed Tuesday that everything is in place for the upcoming event, with only a few finishing touches remaining.

    Speaking after he inspected various infrastructural projects including the Kericho Green Stadium which will host the event, PS Omollo disclosed that the facility is ready for the national event which will be presided over by President William Ruto.

    To ascertain the readiness for the event, PS Omollo, who also chairs the National Steering Committee for National Celebrations, oversaw the rehearsal process for different teams participating in the event including military drills and performances from entertainment groups.

    “We are satisfied with all the preparations that has gone in place to ensure that this event becomes a success,” said the PS.

    This year’s Mashujaa Day celebration centers around the theme of Universal Health Care a crucial pillar aligned with the government’s commitment to achieving the vision 2030 targets.

    The Internal Security PS highlighted that the county is hosting a week-long event showcasing the interventions that President Ruto’s administration is undertaking on the healthcare space.

    Furthermore, the event will involve the recognition of a number of heroes drawn from across the country.

    He disclosed that the government had selected about 150 heroes who will physically be present on the event on behalf of all the heroes and heroines.

    PS Omollo commended all those directly involved in the preparations, including the Kericho County government, for their dedication and meticulous planning.

    “We started about two months ago when there was actually no infrastructure in place. I want to congratulate and appreciate everybody who has worked hard to ensure that the infrastructure that we see today is in place,” he said.

    He urged Kericho residents and all Kenyans to come out in large numbers to partake in the celebrations. Mashujaa Day is meant to celebrate all the heroes and heroines who took part in the struggle for Kenya’s independence and those who have made positive contributions to the country.

    The PS was joined by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and other senior government officials during his inspection tour.

  • Govt shifts focus to preventive health, Health CS says

    Govt shifts focus to preventive health, Health CS says

    The Government is shifting focus to preventive health care services as part of its strategy to fix health care from the bottom, Health Cabinet Secretary, Susan Nakhumicha has said.

    Nakhumicha says that previously, the government concentrated on curative services that saw the government invest in high end hospitals.

    She was speaking at Siaya County headquarters when she paid a courtesy call on Siaya Governor, James Orengo.

    “Our focus is to prevent diseases and rehabilitate those with chronic issues” said the cabinet secretary.

    She said that the shift of focus was the reason why the government wants to invest heavily on the community health promoters who will be expected to play a pivotal role in educating the people on hygiene and safe living.

    Nakhumicha said that studies have shown that up to 70% of illnesses that lead Kenyans to hospital are preventable.

    The cabinet secretary said that each of the community health promoters will be issued with a smart phone that has an application to enable them collect household data.

    “County governments will have access to the data for their respective counties to enable them make informed decisions on their health care needs” said the CS.

    As part of the shift of focus from curative to preventive, Nakhumicha said that the national government will work hand in hand with the counties to equip and improve the infrastructure in level 2 hospitals that will act as referral points by the community health promoters.

    Siaya Governor, James Orengo welcomed the change of focus to preventive and the decision to rope in community health promoters whom, he said, have for years played a critical role in the society.

  • CS Nakhumicha: Medical assessment of bomb blast victims to be undertaken

    CS Nakhumicha: Medical assessment of bomb blast victims to be undertaken

    Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has committed to set up a special committee that will ensure medical assessment is carried out on victims of 1998 bomb blast.

    Appearing before the Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee on 1998 bombing of US Embassy, the Health CS also urged Parliament to set aside funds for supporting the recovery process of the victims.

    The victims submitted before the Committee how their lives have worsened since the bombing and appealed for urgent medical support.

    The CS proposed formulation of a committee that will ensure medical assessment is carried out on victims to determine the extent of injuries caused by the tragedy.

    CS Nakhumicha further urged Parliament to set aside funds for supporting the victims through the department of social protection.

    The victims pleaded with the Health CS to consider according them affordable healthcare and post traumatic care.

    They said the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) does not cater for all their medical expenses.

    The Senate Ad Hoc Committee is relying on medical reports from the Health Ministry ahead of its visit to the United States of America to push for compensation through the congress.

    Report by Kevin Wachira