PRESS RELEASE
The attention of the Ministry of Health has been drawn to an article carried in The Standard, on June 6, titled “WHO freezes funding over Sh11m audit gap.” We have noted, with concern the issues raised in the article and would like to clarify as follows:
1. The World Health Organization (WHO) HAS NOT suspended financial support to the Ministry of Health for all planned activities.
2. Since December 2016, the WHO Kenya office has disbursed funds to support Polio Eradication campaigns, Guinea Worm Eradication and other surveillance activities.
3. Most of these activities are still on-going and Counties are expected to submit their financial and technical reports to WHO by August 2017.
4. It is noted that the Kshs.11.2 million quoted in the media was disbursed directly by the WHO to the affected Counties and the Ministry of Health has been following up to ensure that the said funds are accounted for and reports submitted to WHO
5. Based on the latest returns only two of the 20 Counties which, received funds to support advocacy and awareness campaigns for Guinea Worm eradication have not submitted and the reports are expected by 9th June, 2017.
The Ministry of Health would like to assure the public of continued support by the WHO to the Ministry and counties, for all activities and interventions based on approved work plans. We are therefore appealing to all Counties to utilise the resources prudently and timely submit their reports to WHO without any further delays.
MR. JULIUS KORIR,
CBS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
6th June 2017