Public Health Officers and Technicians sounded the alarm today during a high-stakes meeting, warning of a growing health crisis fueled by disease outbreaks and dwindling funding. The engagement, held this morning, focused on the urgent need to bolster preventive and promotive health services across the country.
Recent outbreaks have painted a grim picture. In Wajir, lives have been lost to Kala Zar, while Kisii County reported hospitalizations due to contaminated water. Meanwhile, cholera cases have emerged in Migori. These incidents, the officers stressed, highlight the critical need for stronger preventive measures and immediate government action.
A major concern is the withdrawal of USAID funding, with other donors also pulling back. This has left a gaping hole in resources for preventive health services, which have long depended on such support. To address this, the officers urged the Kenyan government to step in and allocate more funds, specifically ringfenced for preventive and promotive health initiatives. “Without adequate funding, our ability to control and prevent diseases is severely compromised,” they warned.
The meeting also spotlighted the Primary Health Act, which aims to improve health services at the grassroots level. By focusing on prevention, the Act seeks to ease the burden on healthcare facilities and reduce costs. The officers called on county governments to prioritize FIF funds for these services, noting that some counties have already enacted FIF Acts and supporting regulations.
However, the officers raised a red flag over plans to merge regulatory bodies. They argued that such a move could weaken professional associations, as each profession faces unique challenges that require tailored solutions. “Merging could lead to unequal outcomes and further complicate service delivery,” they cautioned.
In a stark warning, the officers emphasized that failing to act now could have dire public health consequences. They called for immediate steps to strengthen preventive services, ensuring the well-being of all Kenyans.
As the health sector evolves, the officers stressed the need for changes that prioritize service delivery and address the unique needs of each profession. With these recommendations, they hope to pave the way for a healthier, more resilient Kenya. The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
