By Dorothy Musyoka
In a significant move towards strengthening healthcare systems across the East African Community (EAC), Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, has called for the harmonization of healthcare worker training and regulation.
Speaking at the conclusion of the East African Workshop on Harmonization of Regulation for Healthcare Workers in Mombasa, Dr. Barasa emphasized the necessity of standardized education and training for healthcare professionals, including Clinical Officers, Nurses, Midwives, and Public Health Officers.
Dr. Barasa highlighted the critical role of aligning training standards to ensure consistent competencies among healthcare workers, which is vital for improving service delivery and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the region.
She underscored that harmonized training would facilitate workforce mobility, address existing skill gaps, and enhance the quality of healthcare services across member states.
According to the Ministry of Health Dr.Barasa called for the harmonization of internship training and public health curricula to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.
The workshop produced recommendations such as regulating unregulated healthcare cadres, strengthening capacity-building efforts, and mobilizing resources for systemic reforms.
“She highlighted that aligning training standards would promote workforce mobility, address skill gaps, and support Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Dr. Barasa also called for harmonized internship training and public health curricula to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills,” noted MOH.
Dr. Barasa praised the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and AMREF Health Africa, in driving this agenda forward.
Additionally, she reiterated Kenya’s commitment to supporting the harmonization process, recognizing its potential to create a more skilled and mobile healthcare workforce within the EAC.
The workshop marked a pivotal step towards regional integration and the enhancement of East Africa’s healthcare systems, promising a future where healthcare workers can operate seamlessly across borders, providing consistent and high-quality care to all citizens.