Health Principal Secretary (PS) Susan Mochache today received a courtesy call from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Emergency Director for Africa Dr. Abdou Salam Gueye. They discussed the ongoing COVID-19 response efforts and Emergency Preparedness and Response post the pandemic for Kenya and the region.
The officials noted that there is need for African Countries to build capacity for emergency response for self-sufficiency as countries and as a continent to ensure prompt and effective response to health pandemics.
Dt. Gueye informed that the WHO is planning to set up systems for genome sequencing in the region and that one will be set up in Nairobi later in the year. The PS welcomed the move saying it will boost government efforts. This she said will enhance early detection of variants to enable targeted response for cost effectiveness.
The director also revealed plans by the WHO to setup of an Emergency Preparedness and Response training hubs in East and South Africa with a likelihood of Kenya hosting the East Africa centre.
