Public Health Officers Urge Government Action Following Rising Health Challenges

Public Health Officers Urge Government Action Following Rising Health Challenges.

Mr. Juma Mathew

National Vice-Chair, Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union

By MAXIMILLA WAFULA,

Reporter, County Diary News

Public Health Officers and Technicians gathered this morning to address critical issues impacting the country’s health service delivery, particularly in the realm of preventive and promotive health. With rising concerns over infectious diseases like Kala-azar in Wajir, waterborne illnesses in Kisii, and cholera in Migori, there is an urgent need for effective disease control and prevention.

The withdrawal of funding from major donors like USAID has further compounded the challenges, placing a strain on public health services that rely heavily on external support. In response, public health professionals are calling on the Kenyan government to increase funding for preventive and promotive health, ensuring a sustainable budget to tackle these issues. 

They also highlighted the importance of the Primary Health Act in improving health services at the grassroots level and urged counties to allocate and protect funds from the FIF to support these initiatives. The group discussed the need for continuous evolution in the health sector, emphasizing that any changes should prioritize strengthening service delivery. 

Lastly, concerns were raised about the potential merger of regulatory bodies, which could weaken the power of professional associations. The consensus was clear: while the health sector faces significant challenges, addressing these issues with adequate resources and strategic policies will be key to ensuring the well-being of the Kenyan public.

Ends.