The Ministry of Health

During her appearance on the KASS FM Show Lene Emit, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, provided updates on several key initiatives advancing Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She discussed the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA), highlighting strategies to address emerging challenges and emphasizing the role of counties in supporting SHA registration efforts.

The Principal Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring timely payments for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who play an essential role in delivering primary healthcare services across the country. She also shared updates on the national response to Mpox and introduced the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative, a transformative campaign focused on improving public health through hygiene and sanitation.

These initiatives reflect the Ministry’s dedication to expanding access to high-quality healthcare for all Kenyans.

The Ministry of Health’s State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, with support from World Health Organization (WHO), convened a multi-sectoral meeting today in Nairobi to develop an incident action plan for Mpox and Marburg Virus Disease. Dr. Grace Ikahu, acting Director of Public Health, opened the meeting on behalf of IMS Lead Dr. Sultan Matendechero. The meeting’s goal is to strengthen national preparedness by fostering a coordinated, sector-wide approach to ensure effective outbreak response and protect public health.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, appeared today before the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose, to respond to questions about the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a critical step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

She was joined by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni; Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth; the Chair and CEO of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and senior ministry officials.

Dr. Barasa provided key updates on SHIF implementation, noting that over 13.8 million beneficiaries have been registered by November 2024, despite challenges in some counties. The employer registration drive has enrolled 34,748 employers, while 6,517 healthcare facilities are now using the SHA claims portal to streamline claims processing.

A report on means testing in eight counties was also presented, showing steady progress. Dr. Barasa also highlighted the work of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who are providing essential health services at the community level. She confirmed that while 100,000 kits have been distributed, 7,831 CHPs are still awaiting equipment. The government is providing stipends of Ksh 5,000 to 107,831 CHPs, though data processing challenges persist.

Addressing the status of UHC workers hired in 2020, Dr. Barasa confirmed that their contracts have been extended for an additional two years, with some workers already absorbed by counties. Plans for permanent placements are underway for the remaining workforce.

“The Ministry of Health remains committed to resolving these challenges and ensuring the smooth rollout of SHIF and UHC services across the country, with a focus on enhancing healthcare access for all Kenyans,” Dr. Barasa stated.

The Ministry of Health conducted a preparatory meeting with senior representatives from the Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford, led by the Director General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth representing the Cabinet Secretary. The meeting laid groundwork for the upcoming visit of Hon. Julia Gillard, Chair of Wellcome Trust’s Board of Governors and former Australian Prime Minister, and Prof. Irene Tracey, CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

The visiting delegation, led by Mr. Chris Bird, Chief Legal Officer of the Wellcome Trust, also included Dr. Julia Kemp, Head of Major International Programmes; Mr. Chris Price, Divisional Registrar of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division; and Mr. Edward Gibbs, Chief Operating Officer of the Nuffield Department of Medicine. Discussions centered on finalizing details for the visit scheduled for November 25–26, 2024.

The visit will commemorate Wellcome’s 60 years of impactful collaboration in Kenya, marking 35 years of partnership with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and celebrating significant research achievements that have contributed to health advancements.

As Kenya prepares to welcome Hon. Gillard and Prof. Tracey, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to advancing health research and strengthening partnerships that contribute to improved health outcomes locally and globally.

Today, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni joined Inooro FM’s “Hagaria” to discuss the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Social Health Authority (SHA), part of Kenya’s move to affordable, quality healthcare for all.

PS Muthoni highlighted the benefits of the revamped health cover, including:Family-wide coverage under one plan,Access to emergency and critical care (e.g., dialysis, chemo),expanded inpatient & outpatient services,chronic illness management, comprehensive maternal and child health services,broader access to mental healthcare,rehabilitative and palliative care among others.

She urged Kenyans to continue registering for SHIF through *147 # ,the Website www.sha.go.ke, assisted registration at Huduma Centres, home visits by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and SHA Agents and branches countrywide.

Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, conducted a spot check on the training of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) on Social Health Authority (SHA) registration in Nanyuki and Rumuruti towns, Laikipia County. The visit aimed to evaluate the progress of this critical training initiative, which is a key component of the Ministry of Health’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.

During the assessment, Principal Secretary Muthoni observed the dedication of CHPs, who play an essential role in connecting health facilities with communities. Through their work, CHPs are not only educating residents on preventive care but also guiding them through the SHA registration process, thereby facilitating affordable and accessible healthcare for all Kenyans. Their efforts are helping to bring healthcare services directly to the doorsteps of communities across the country.

Reflecting on the role of CHPs, Principal Secretary Muthoni emphasized their importance to Kenya’s healthcare system. "Community Health Promoters are at the heart of a resilient healthcare system," she remarked. "Their work in supporting and guiding communities through SHA registration is vital to making our vision for Universal Health Coverage a reality."

She further added, "The commitment and dedication of CHPs in Laikipia County reaffirm our belief in their capacity to transform healthcare access in Kenya. They not only provide essential health services but also build trust and awareness within the communities they serve."

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI) hosted a forum today on the “Cancer Situation in Kenya/Cancer Awareness,” where Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, addressed key challenges in cancer care.

Dr. Barasa acknowledged progress, especially with the integration of the Social Health Authority (SHA). She emphasized the government’s commitment to improving access to cancer treatment by expanding facilities, making cancer drugs more affordable, and enhancing early detection programs.

The CS also highlighted the importance of training more oncology professionals to meet the growing demand. The event featured powerful testimonials from cancer survivors and caregivers.

Pumwani Maternity Referral Hospital has made significant strides in integrating Social Health Authority (SHA) services, enhancing patient access to vital healthcare. Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Deborah Barasa, along with Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth and Ministry and SHA officials, reviewed the ongoing implementation of SHA services today.

Nairobi County CEC for Health, Suzanne Salantoi, highlighted Pumwani’s full adoption of SHA services. CEO Christine Kiteshuo shared that October saw the hospital’s highest delivery count for the year, with 1,700 births recorded. Pumwani plays a critical role in supporting maternal and child health in Nairobi County, handling approximately 20,000 deliveries annually.

Since the SHA rollout on October 1, Pumwani has registered 970 mothers, increasing access to essential maternity and neonatal care. Community Health Promoters (CHPs) are actively working to boost enrollment and expand SHA’s reach to more mothers. Mothers interviewed expressed satisfaction with the SHA services, reflecting Pumwani’s commitment to quality care.

With the continued rollout of SHA, Pumwani solidifies its leadership in maternity and neonatal services, advancing accessible healthcare for Nairobi’s mothers and children.

In ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access across the country, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni paid a courtesy call on the Laikipia Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Patrick Muli. The PS emphasized that National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) play a crucial role in implementing government services at the community level.

She noted that their support in rolling out health initiatives is invaluable, as they help bridge the gap between the health sector and local communities, ensuring that essential services, such as Social Health Authority registration, are accessible to all Kenyans, including those in remote areas.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services and Chair of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, Mr. Harry Kimtai, reaffirmed the country’s dedication to the UNAIDS Joint Programme during a high-level meeting held in the Jonathan Mann Room at the UNAIDS Building. He highlighted Kenya’s whole-of-government approach in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other agencies, especially as the nation prepares to host the 55th PCB meeting in Nairobi from December 10-12, 2024.

Mr. Kimtai emphasized the financial commitment of approximately US$ 350,000 to host the meeting, reflecting strong political support for HIV initiatives. He underscored the importance of field visits during the PCB meeting to showcase Kenya’s HIV response, particularly among key populations.

He also called for increased investment from African nations in UNAIDS, advocating for a united front to maintain focus on HIV despite shifting donor priorities. Additionally, he encouraged engagement at the executive level to enhance the effectiveness of the Joint Programme.

The Ministry of Health, represented by Principal Secretary and Chair of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB), Mr. Harry Kimtai, has confirmed Kenya’s readiness to host the 55th PCB meeting in Nairobi from December 10-12, 2024. During a UNAIDS PCB Bureau meeting on November 4th, Mr. Kimtai highlighted Kenya’s commitment to advancing inclusive HIV response strategies and emphasized the importance of unified global efforts to end AIDS by 2030.

Mr. Kimtai noted that the PCB meeting’s theme—addressing inequalities affecting children and adolescents with HIV—aligns with Kenya’s focus on supporting vulnerable populations. He also announced that delegates will have the chance to engage directly with Kenya’s HIV response during field visits to sites in Nairobi, including a harm reduction program in a prison and a youth support center.

Additionally, the Principal Secretary expressed gratitude for the Bureau’s support in 2024 and urged global partners to reinforce financial support for UNAIDS, underscoring the agency’s vital role in advancing HIV programming worldwide.

Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, today hosted a team from the Fleming Fund led by Regional Director for Africa, Patrick Mubangizi. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with key areas of partnership including laboratory infrastructure enhancement, workforce reforms, AMR surveillance systems, and promoting the responsible regional use of antimicrobial medicines.