Health stakeholders from across the country are gathered in Makueni for a two day conference on Universal Health Care.
The conference whose theme is “Meeting Kenya’s Universal Health Challenge” was officially opened by the Makueni Governor Hon. Kivutha Kibwana on Wednesday.
While welcoming guests to Makueni County, the governor gave a report on the developments his county has made towards universal health care over the last five years.
“I want to welcome you all to Makueni County, we pride ourselves in being the capital of Universal Health Care and over the next two days we hope to share that knowledge we have with you.”
“Ever since we set the goal to achieve Universal Health Care in 2013, we have made some great strides, right now every household in Makueni has access to affordable health care. 33% of our budget currently goes to the health sector, we have built the Makueni trauma center and will be soon opening the Makueni Maternal Health care hospital,” he added.
Former Director General Vision 2030 and current Principal Secretary Ministry of planning Dr. Julius Muia emphasized on the importance universal health care, in achieving Vision 2030.
“Vision 2030 aims to make Kenya a globally competitive and ensure that Kenyans lead a high quality of life. This cannot be achieved without a healthy people that is why the health sector sits under the social pillar of Vision 2030.”
“According to a recent survey, health has been one of the better performing sectors under Vision 2030, we have so far achieved 56% of our goal, with notable improvements is combating Malaria,” Dr. Muia stated.
Other speakers who spoke on the first day include Dr. Githinji Gitahi group CEO, Amref Health Africa, Professor Khama Rogo Lead specialist at the World Bank and Dr. Charles Kandie, head, department of health standards quality assurance and regulations, Ministry of Health.
Among some of the topics discussed on the opening day were; implementing the National Human resource for health policy, implementing the Kenya quality model of health and tracking performance in health services.
The second day will see the stakeholders tackle indicators for measuring health system governance, financing universal health and conclude with formulating a framework for action.
The conference is expected to be closed by His Excellency Governor Turkana County, Koli Nanok and the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mrs. Sicily Kariuki.
The 2018 universal health care conference is an initiative of the Ministry of Health, County Government of Makueni, Vision 2030 and Amref Health Africa.
