By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
In a significant move to enhance healthcare delivery, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is prioritizing the integration of HIV epidemic control into its broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) strategy.
The announcement was made during the closing session of the 4-day HIV Service Delivery Integration Summit held in Mombasa.
“The Ministry of Health is focusing on incorporating HIV epidemic control into the overall strategy of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as highlighted at the conclusion of the 4-day HIV Service Delivery Integration Summit in Mombasa,” stated the ministry.
This decision is a direct response to the decrease in international financial assistance for the worldwide HIV/AIDS efforts.
Dr. Elizabeth Wangia, Head of Health Financing, reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to achieving both UHC and HIV epidemic control through a range of strategic approaches.
She acknowledged the potential conflicts between disease-specific micro targeting and integrated health systems, while also emphasizing the possibilities for collaboration that could strengthen both initiatives.
“Central to these reforms is the Social Health Authority (SHA), which aims to deliver the much-needed integration of HIV services into the health system,” noted Dr.Wangia.
“Universal Health Care is guided by five pillars: primary healthcare (PHC), human resources for health, health financing, health commodity security, and integrated health information systems,” she added.
In efforts to enhance health accessibility, the ministry called on citizens to register with the SHA through various platforms, including Huduma centers, SHA offices, and USSD, prior to the official launch by President William Ruto.
“Kenyans, including People Living with HIV (PLHIV), are encouraged to register with the new body and fund through various platforms such as visits to Huduma centers, SHA offices, and USSD ahead of its launch by President William Ruto,” noted the ministry.
“This registration is expected to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality through the latest healthcare scheme for comprehensive care management,” the Ministry of health added.
The ministry has underscored the significance of the shift from the National Health Insurance Fund to the Social Health Insurance Fund as a pivotal advancement.
“The transition from the National Health Insurance Fund to the Social Health Insurance Fund is also a key development, aimed at saving public resources that will be redirected to provide improved and comprehensive healthcare benefits to all Kenyans,” stated MOH.
Dr. Wangia’s message was strongly supported by Dr. Robert Pukose, Chair of the National Assembly Health Committee.
He emphasized Parliament’s commitment to advocating for the necessary funding to support the Ministry’s initiatives, aiming to achieve superior health outcomes across the country.
MOH added that healthcare financing continues to be a fundamental aspect of healthcare systems, playing a vital role in facilitating advancements towards achieving universal health coverage through enhancing effective service coverage and ensuring financial protection.