The vaccines prepare your immune system to recognize and fight off the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccines are designed to teach the body’s immune system to safely recognize and block the virus that causes COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine uses a form of the virus that has been inactivated or weakened so it doesn’t cause disease but still generates an immune response.

You can only get your certificate from where you got vaccinated. This is because it contains personal details as well as details of vaccine administered.

Preterm is defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. Kenya has adopted low-cost interventions that have been shown to be effective in improving preterm survival. They include steroid injections, Kangaroo Mother Care as well as use of Chlorhexidine digluconate 7.1% w/v gel for immediate care of the umbilical cord to prevent sepsis.

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs and is one of the leading causes of child mortality.

It is caused by a number of infectious agents including viruses, bacteria and fungi. Good personal and food preparation hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding and adequate nutrition for children are among the most cost-effective interventions that contribute to reduced pneumonia incidence. However, completing the immunization schedule is the most effective way of preventing pneumonia.

The transition was essential due to the expiration of the MES program, which played a critical role in supplying medical equipment to public health facilities. As MES concluded, NESP was introduced to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services, particularly in surgery, radiology, and ICU care. The shift to NESP allows for the continuation of these essential services without financial disruption.

The Fee-for-Service (FFS) model enables contracted vendors to provide, install, and maintain medical equipment with no upfront costs to county health facilities. Unlike the previous leasing model, which required ongoing payments for equipment, the FFS model allows counties to focus their resources on patient care while vendors manage the equipment. The government reimburses vendors based on agreed service tariffs, ensuring financial efficiency for counties.

The implementation of the FFS model followed a transparent tendering process guided by the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act. A joint team from the Ministry of Health and County Governments evaluated tenders, resulting in the selection of seven vendors in October 2024. Counties voluntarily signed Intergovernmental Participatory Agreements (IPAs) to participate in the program.

The FFS model contributes to sustainability by shifting the financial burden of equipment provision to vendors, enabling counties to focus on healthcare delivery. Vendors cover equipment costs, while the government reimburses for services based on pre-approved tariffs. This system ensures financial stability, and the revenue generated from services can be reinvested into local healthcare systems, strengthening their long-term sustainability.

The FFS model will improve healthcare delivery by ensuring that medical equipment remains available, functional, and updated. The program guarantees 95% equipment uptime and facilitates timely replacements of outdated equipment, enhancing the quality of care. Continuous training for healthcare workers on the latest technologies will also improve the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

The model provides healthcare workers with ongoing training on how to operate and maintain advanced medical equipment. As technology evolves, vendors will also offer refresher courses, ensuring that workers remain proficient. This approach enhances local skills and ensures that healthcare professionals can deliver high-quality care with up-to-date equipment.

The FFS model reduces the financial burden on county health facilities by eliminating the need for upfront costs on medical equipment. Payment is made to vendors based on services rendered, which improves financial efficiency. Furthermore, counties can retain a portion of the revenue generated from healthcare services and insurance reimbursements, which can be reinvested into local healthcare systems.

The FFS model directly supports Kenya’s UHC objectives by ensuring the availability of essential medical equipment in public health facilities, thus improving access to high-quality care. With financial pressures alleviated, counties can focus more on patient care and service delivery. The program contributes to bridging gaps in healthcare access and quality, supporting the broader UHC goals.

Next steps for NESP include completing equipment deployment, finalizing equipment lists, and training facilities on new technologies. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with County Governments, will continue to monitor the program’s implementation to ensure smooth delivery of services. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders will be crucial to its success.