Cabinet Secretary Dr. Debora Barasa Calls for Improved Communication on UHC Reforms
𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - , the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa Mlongo, hosted the leadership of AMREF Health Africa, led by Global CEO Dr. Githinji Gitahi and Kenya Country Director, during a courtesy call at her office.
Dr. Barasa commended AMREF Health Africa for its work, particularly with community health promoters, emphasizing that community health workers play a crucial role in communicating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms.
The CS underscored the need for enhanced communication on UHC reforms, particularly at the community level. She highlighted the urgency of disseminating accurate information on key health sector reforms to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Kenyans.
She stressed that this is especially critical during the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority to ensure that citizens, or "wananchi," continue to access essential services. She warned that a lack of accurate information about key programs could result in public misunderstanding or apathy towards seeking healthcare services, potentially reversing the progress made on important health indicators.
As an example, Dr. Barasa mentioned the enhanced maternity care package under the Social Health Authority, which is vital in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. Effective community awareness is necessary to maintain hospital delivery rates and improve health outcomes.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi reaffirmed AMREF Health Africa's commitment to supporting Kenya's health initiatives and highlighted their 57-year partnership in various areas, including primary healthcare, maternal and newborn health, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, cholera, and non-communicable