Outgoing UNICEF Kenya Country Representative Maniza Zaman has lauded Kenya over what she termed as its timely and science driven response in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking during a meeting with Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Maniza said the prompt and deliberate response helped mitigate social and economic effects of the crisis that devastated most of the globe.
“You were very much science driven, taking a broad view of what this meant. The response was very thoughtful and methodical as we were learning the science,” observed Maniza.
According to health CS Mutahi Kagwe, partners played a big role in Kenya’s successful response to the crisis which could otherwise have overrun the country’s healthcare system.
“I was 12 days old at the ministry when Covid struck, but through the support of partners the task became easier. I felt the understanding we got from partners was helpful.” Said the health CS.
He thanked UNICEF for continually supporting the ministry of health in the various programmes including child health, family health and nutrition urging the global body to continue backing the government in its endeavour to improve health outcomes.
Maniza will be leaving the country after serving as the UNICEF Representative in Kenya for three years.
Prior to this assignment, Maniza was the UNICEF Representative in the United Republic of Tanzania since January 2016. Before that, she was the Deputy Director in Programme Division in UNICEF, New York.
From 2000 to 2006, she served in UNICEF Kenya in different portfolios including Chief of Nutrition.
