By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ministry of Health Launched the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project (HEPRR) for Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) under phase 1 of the multiphase programmatic approach (MPA).
The initiative aligns with the Africa Union Health Strategy 2016-2030 and it symbolizes a collaborative endeavour aimed at promoting health goals on a continental scale.
“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,” said the Ministry of Health.
According to the Health Cabinet Secretary, Susan Nakhumicha, the project aims at providing space to contribute to the continent’s health security.
“This project will provide a platform through which our national and collective programmatic outputs will contribute to the continent’s health security,” noted CS Nakhumicha.
Emphasizing the importance of preparedness in achieving promotive and preventive health objectives, CS Nakhumicha underscored the synergies with the newly launched project’s objectives.
She called upon all stakeholders to unite in supporting the implementation of the programme, stressing the necessity of coordinated efforts across legislative, workforce development, and public health surveillance domains.
“Infectious diseases remain a serious health challenge across Africa and particularly the Eastern and Southern Africa region and continue to exert pressure on our healthcare systems. As COVID-19 reminded us, pandemics and diseases know no borders and for us to be safe from events such as COVID-19, we must prepare collectively as a region,” stated the health CS.
The CS emphasized the importance of fortifying regional health systems for effective emergency response and resilience reiterating Kenya’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage led by President Ruto.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defence established a memorandum of understanding to strengthen national emergency response capabilities.
This signifies a comprehensive strategy encompassing research partnerships, resource utilization, personnel exchange programs, educational initiatives, and preparedness for national emergencies.