Kenya dedicated to achieving universal health by 2030 – CS Nakhumicha
Kenya is committed to achieving universal healthcare coverage by 2023, Cabinet Secretary of Health Susan Nakhumicha has stated.
Nakhumicha made the statement during the 36th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM) held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the margins of the 77th World Health Assembly.
"Emphasizing global partnerships, she addressed COVID-19's impact on health inequalities and proposed a customized tracker for UHC progress. Nakhumicha also stressed the need for resilient health systems amidst climate change challenges and highlighted Kenya's advocacy for renewable energy.
"Discussions included primary healthcare investment, digital health, and pandemic preparedness, showcasing Kenya's efforts in these areas," the Ministry of Health said in a statement on X.
The meeting was convened under the theme 'Actionable Solutions to Building Resilience in Healthcare Systems within the Commonwealth, with an Emphasis on Small and Vulnerable States'.
The two-day meeting, which ran from May 24 to May 25, examined various practical solutions needed to strengthen the resilience of healthcare systems across the Commonwealth.
It also examined interventions that will enable all countries, particularly fragile, small, and vulnerable states, to effectively prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from public health crises and other shocks, the climate and health nexus, as well as opportunities to build integrated and resilient health systems and avenues to bolster the capabilities of the health and social care workforce for more resilient health systems.
The meeting also considered how we address the shortage of skilled healthcare workers to ensure the appropriate level of care for Commonwealth citizens.
The participants also considered how to protect people's health from the effects of climate change, like extreme weather, and how to achieve the UN's health targets, including ensuring everyone has access to an appropriate level of healthcare.
Side event
Meanwhile, on May 26, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Health Organisation will host a side event focused on advancing digital health maturity in the margins of the 36th Commonwealth Health Ministers as part of the broader Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH).
The event will provide a platform for senior officials, healthcare professionals, and public health practitioners to examine how Commonwealth countries, at various stages of digital health maturity, can leverage digital technologies to deliver health services.
Participants will also share global perspectives to chart a way forward for many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing challenges in implementing digital health provisions, as per the organisers.
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