By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU) held a press briefing today at Lamada Hotel in Nairobi, addressing critical issues affecting public health service delivery in the country.
Public Health Officers and Technicians raised urgent concerns over emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, funding cuts, and systemic challenges that threaten the nation’s preventive and promotive health services.
Outbreaks Highlight Growing Public Health Crisis
The union highlighted recent outbreaks that have exposed vulnerabilities in Kenya’s public health system.
In Wajir, several Kenyans have died, and others remain hospitalized due to a Kala Zar outbreak.
Contaminated water in Kisii County has led to multiple hospitalizations, while cholera cases have been reported in Migori.
These incidents, the union warned, underscore the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and adequate funding.
Funding Cuts Threaten Critical Services
KEHPHPU expressed deep concern over the withdrawal of USAID funding and the potential exit of other donors, which has severely impacted preventive and promotive health services.
The union emphasized that these funds previously supplemented essential health programs, and their absence has created significant gaps in service delivery.
“We urge the government of Kenya to step in and enhance funding for preventive and promotive health services,” said a union representative. “We propose that additional funds be ringfenced specifically for these initiatives to ensure continuity and effectiveness.”
Call to Strengthen Primary Healthcare
The union also emphasized the importance of the Primary Health Act, which aims to improve preventive and promotive health services at the primary level.
By focusing on primary healthcare, the Act reduces pressure on higher-level facilities and curbs overall healthcare expenditure.
KEHPHPU called on counties to ring fence FIF funds for preventive and promotive health services, enabling public health officers and technicians to effectively carry out disease control and prevention mandates.
The union commended counties that have already enacted FIF Acts and developed supporting regulations.
Read More On : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/matatu-federation-slams-ntsa-over-super-metro-suspension-threatens-strike/
Opposition to Merging Regulatory Bodies
The union strongly opposed proposals to merge regulatory bodies, arguing that such a move would weaken professional associations.
“Each profession is unique and faces different challenges,” a representative stated. “Merging regulatory bodies risks overlooking these unique needs and could disproportionately harm some professions.”
Adapting to a Changing Health Sector
While acknowledging the dynamic nature of the health sector, KEHPHPU stressed that all reforms should prioritize strengthening service delivery, particularly in preventive and promotive health.
The union called for a focused approach to ensure that changes translate into tangible improvements for Kenyans.
Further, the union warned that failing to address these issues would have dire consequences for public health in Kenya.
“Without decisive action, we risk facing even greater public health challenges in the future,” a representative said.
KEHPHPU remains committed to improving the functionality of the health system for the benefit of all Kenyans.
However, the union emphasized that urgent action is needed to secure funding, strengthen primary healthcare, and protect the integrity of professional regulatory bodies.
The press briefing concluded with a call to action for the government, counties, and stakeholders to prioritize preventive and promotive health services to safeguard the well-being of all Kenyans.
Read More Stories At : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/
