Shot in the arm as UHC receives vital materials
By George.Kebaso, February 14, 2022
The ongoing roll out of Universal Health Coverage has received a boost after the government and partners unveiled several materials to facilitate its countrywide implementation.
Some of the documents launched yesterday include a clear community health roadmap, which Health Acting Director General Dr Patrick Amoth said will be necessary in bridging gaps identified in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through an accelerated primary health care at the community level.
It envisages scaling up the number of primary health care service providers such as Community Health Volunteers, in a wider effort of ensuring every household is reached.
“Primary health care is the first level of contact between the individual and the health system where essential healthcare is provided,” Amoth said.
However, he noted that a range of approaches can be used particularly in developing a set of interventions tailored to the local context, while simultaneously working to improve health systems.
The Kenya Health Care strategic framework 2019-24, one of the documents also launched yesterday, according to Amoth, therefore enhances national government efforts to improve access to primary health care
“Primary health care is the most effective way to solve system challenges, since it extends far beyond just managing illness; but begins with embracing health promotion and disease prevention, and considers all social determinants of health,” he added.
“Strengthening primary health care is a key strategy towards attainment of UHC in Kenya,” he added.
The other documents include; Advocacy, Communication and Community Engagement framework for Primary health care – which targets both internal and external stakeholders aimed at getting buy-in on the need to support and prioritise primary health care.
“We have also launched here today, the Primary Health Care Network guidelines; Community Health Volunteers Trans and Certification Guidelines; the Community Score Card For Social Accountability For Primary Health care among others