By Diana Wenwa
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry K. Kimtai, has officially launched the National Health Accounts Estimates Report for 2019/20 to 2021/22.
This report reflects on the government’s commitment to providing equitable healthcare access and highlights significant progress made under the Vision 2030 initiative.
One of the major highlights of the report is the provision of free treatment for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. These efforts have led to a notable reduction in child and maternal mortality rates, showcasing the positive impact of the government’s healthcare initiatives.
During the launch, Mr. Kimtai acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system, such as inequitable access to services, inadequate financing, and a shortage of skilled health workers. He emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage.
The government’s Bottom-up Transformation Agenda {BETA} was highlighted as a key strategy in achieving universal health coverage. BETA focuses on critical areas such as human resources, health products and technologies, information systems, and financing.
The National Health Accounts report is expected to play a vital role in resource mobilization and evidence-based policymaking, facilitating the effective allocation and utilization of resources within the health sector.
Mr. Kimtai expressed his gratitude to development partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their ongoing support. He also urged all involved teams to ensure the accuracy of data collection, which is essential for effective health planning and the realization of health goals.
The launch of this report marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards achieving universal health coverage, reflecting the government’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of its citizens.