Nairobi, October 31, 2019 – Health Principal Secretaries (PS’s) from the East Africa Community (EAC) partner states today convened in Nairobi to explore ways of strengthening corporation in the regions health sector.
The discussions centered on the Centers of Excellence in the region with a special focus on the East Africa Kidney Institute (EAKI) to be hosted in Kenya.
The PS’s also discussed harmonization of health professionals training to strengthen Human Resource for Health (HRH).
Other deliberations included the preparedness plans to tackle threats like the Ebola disease, and strengthening of the drugs verification and certification.
Speaking when she officially opened the meeting, Health PS Susan Mochache reiterated Kenya’s commitment towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage, through a health benefit package that will drastically reduce out of pocket expenditures on health.
The PS acknowledged the honor bestowed on Kenya to host the East African Kidney Institute (EAKI) which is the Regional Centre of Excellence for Urology and Nephrology.
“We are committed to develop and offer quality medical training, research and service delivery that will ensure availability of quality renal care in the region,” she assured.
She also noted that Kenya is cognizant of the threat that communicable diseases pose to the region and has set up active port health services at targeted points of entry for Ebola screening.
“I urge partner states to establish or strengthen Port Health Services with emphasis on Ebola screening,” she advised.
The meeting under the auspices of the East Africa Community 19th ordinary sectoral council of Ministers will culminated in the briefing of EAC Health Ministers.
