By Dorothy Musyoka
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, held high-level discussions with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Kenya Coalition of Nutrition, led by Dr. David Miliband, to forge stronger partnerships in the fight against malnutrition, a critical pillar of the Taifa Care Model and Kenya’s healthcare transformation agenda.
According to Ministry of Health, the meeting explored on joint resource mobilization through alternative financing mechanisms to reduce the national malnutrition burden.
“The meeting explored joint resource mobilization through alternative financing, reducing the national burden of malnutrition currently at 4% and as high as 15% in arid and semi-arid areas and strengthening the Community Health Strategy by leveraging Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) for real-time data, improved service delivery, and performance tracking,” stated MOH.
Participants committed to conducting progress reviews every six months, safeguarding the continuity of life-saving nutrition programmes, and co-investing in proven models that build resilient supply chains, enhance health worker capacity, and promote stronger data sharing.
A multi-sectoral approach was emphasized as key to mobilizing resources and ensuring nutrition remains at the centre of both Primary Healthcare and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking during the session, Hon. Duale underscored that nutrition is not only central to healthier communities but also an important driver of stronger economic growth.
“Nutrition remains central to Primary Healthcare and UHC, not only driving healthier communities but also contributing to stronger economic growth,” stated Duale.
The CS was joined by Principal for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr.Patrick Amoth, Mr.Gilbert Kamanga of World Vision, Ms.Janet Micheni of Action Against Hunger among other senior Ministry of Health Officials.