Nairobi, KENYA, 9th March 2018 – The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Sicily Kariuki has commended the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for investing in HIV control and the promotion of maternal, new born, and child health through the Beyond Zero Initiative.
Speaking during the launch of the First Lady Beyond Zero Strategic Framework 2018-2022, the CS Health observed that the initiative has strengthened efforts of the Ministry of Health at both National and County levels to achieve the Government shared goals.
“New child infections from HIV positive mothers has dropped by over 50% to 6,600 from 12,000, while skilled deliveries have increased to over one million per year from 600,000. Maternal mortality has also reduced from 488 to 362 per 100,000 live births, thus averting 2,000 deaths annually among mothers, in the period between 2013-2017,” the CS said.
She lauded the goodwill of political leaders, Governors, the private sector, religious leaders, communities of persons living with HIV and Kenyans in general for their varied contribution towards reduction of HIV infections.
“These, and many more achievements were possible because Kenyans’ were inspired, when Beyond Zero brand became a movement and a force for action,” she said.
Building on these gains, the new framework outlines key areas to advance the Beyond Zero commitment, putting people at the center and creating resilient ecosystems. The framework adopts a life cycle approach, addressing challenges at different stages of life as people move from childhood, through adolescence to adulthood and old age.
The CS affirmed her commitment to facilitating the delivery of the framework noting that Beyond Zero movement will once again move key health indicators through home-grown solutions, using local resources.
“I wish to thank all the different partners who are here with us today, who have continued to demonstrate strong and effective partnership and support in health. Together, Universal Health Coverage will be realized by the year 2022,” she stressed.