By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenyan Ministry of Health and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Kenya, has reaffirmed their longstanding partnership during a courtesy visit by UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Shaheen Snilofer, to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa.
The discussions focused on deepening collaboration to improve maternal and neonatal health, child nutrition, immunization, emergency public health, and water, hygiene, and sanitation across the country.
“UNICEF Kenya and the Ministry of Health have enjoyed a longstanding partnership, working closely in critical areas such as maternal and neonatal health, child nutrition, immunization, emergency public health, and water, hygiene, and sanitation,” stated the Ministry of Health.
During the meeting, Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen public communication, risk communication, and community engagement strategies to address Kenya’s evolving healthcare challenges.
“The discussions focused on further enhancing collaboration, with an emphasis on improving public communication, risk communication, and community engagement,” noted MOH.
The Ministry of Health and UNICEF Kenya have successfully collaborated on various public health initiatives, particularly in enhancing maternal and child health services, boosting immunization rates, and responding to public health emergencies.
The recent meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on these achievements and explore new areas for cooperation.
Ms. Snilofer reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s efforts in improving public health outcomes.
Dr. Barasa thanked UNICEF for its readiness to assist the government in combating the outbreak and its ongoing efforts to support preventive and response measures.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to address the Mpox outbreak.
The meeting was also attended by key figures in the Ministry of Health, including Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth and Dr. Issak Bashir, Head of the Family Health Department, and Ms. Shaheen were accompanied by her Deputy, Mr. Mahboob Bajwa.
UNICEF Kenya’s ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health remains critical to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare services.
As Kenya continues to navigate its public health landscape, the Ministry of Health and UNICEF Kenya are poised to enhance their collaboration, ensuring that communities across the nation are well-informed, engaged, and equipped to face health challenges effectively.