Ministry of Health Launches Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project for Eastern and Southern Africa

𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢 – Today, under the stewardship of Hon. Nakhumicha S. Wafula, the Ministry of Health unveiled the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project (HEPRR) for Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE), marking the commencement of Phase I of the Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA). 

 This pioneering initiative, backed by the World Bank, garnered praise for its pivotal role in fostering regional collaboration to enhance health security. Aligned with the African Union Health Strategy 2016-2030 and the Africa CDC's New Public Health Order, it represents a concerted effort towards advancing continental health objectives. 

 During the launch, Hon. Nakhumicha stressed the critical importance of fortifying regional health systems to effectively respond to emergencies and build resilience. She reaffirmed Kenya's unwavering commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a fundamental development goal, with ongoing initiatives spearheaded by H.E President Dr. William Ruto. 

Emphasizing the essential role of preparedness in achieving promotive and preventive health objectives, she highlighted the synergies with the newly launched project's objectives. 

 The CS called upon all stakeholders to unite in supporting the implementation of the programme, underlining the necessity of coordinated efforts across legislative, workforce development, and public health surveillance domains. 

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

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.