Latest news with #DeborahMlongoBarasa
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Cabinet Secretary Chairs Strategic Meeting on Advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, today chaired a strategic meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The meeting addressed key priorities including the strengthening of primary health care, organizing consultative clinics with healthcare service providers, improving the availability of medical commodities, and enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems. Discussions also highlighted the importance of capacity building for human resources for health, continued support for Community Health Promoters, and consistent awareness creation to ensure citizens are informed and empowered to access quality health services. Dr. Barasa reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to delivering accessible, equitable, and effective healthcare for all Kenyans. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Marks World Oral Health Day with Launch of Community Oral Health Department at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Mosoriot
Kenya today marked World Oral Health Day by reinforcing its commitment to strengthening oral healthcare, highlighted by the launch of the Community Oral Health Department at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Mosoriot. Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, and other senior officials, underscored the importance of oral health in overall well-being. She highlighted that conditions such as gum disease and dental caries remain widespread, significantly contributing to major non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular complications. She called for greater investment in prevention, education, and expanded access to oral healthcare services. Representing Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, Dr. Barasa urged Kenyans to prioritize oral hygiene, encouraged healthcare professionals to advocate for better oral health, and called on stakeholders to invest in oral healthcare as part of Universal Health Coverage. She reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to ensuring accessible and high-quality oral health services for all. The launch of the Community Oral Health Department at KMTC Mosoriot marks a major milestone in building Kenya's oral healthcare workforce. As only the second training center of its kind after KMTC Nairobi, the facility will enhance service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This initiative aligns with Kenya's National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026, which focuses on strengthening governance, expanding community-based interventions, increasing access to services, encouraging research for evidence-based policies, and fostering public-private partnerships to improve service delivery. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya and the United States (U.S.) Strengthen Collaboration on Health Systems and Commodity Security
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, met with a U.S. Congressional Delegation at KEMSA to strengthen Kenya-U.S. collaboration in health systems, commodity procurement, and public health interventions. Dr. Barasa emphasized Kenya's focus on self-reliance in health commodity procurement and local pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce import dependency and ensure a steady supply of essential medicines. She highlighted government efforts to boost local production, attract private-sector investment, and maintain high-quality standards through robust regulation. The Cabinet Secretary welcomed U.S. support in technology transfer, supply chain strengthening, and expanding market access for Kenyan-made health products. She also stressed the importance of U.S. assistance in capacity building, regulatory reforms, and trade expansion. The meeting reaffirmed Kenya's goal of becoming a regional leader in pharmaceutical production, with Dr. Barasa calling for stronger partnerships to build a sustainable and resilient health sector. KEMSA Board Chair Mr. Samuel Tunai and CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa also attended, highlighting ongoing reforms to improve medical supply management efficiency. This engagement reinforced the commitment to deepening Kenya-U.S. collaboration for a stronger health system. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Health
- Zawya
East Africa Health Security Summit Opens in Mombasa
The inaugural East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit kicked off today in Mombasa, bringing together leaders and health experts to address the region's health security challenges. In his opening remarks, H. E President William Ruto, represented by Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Health, stressed the need for strengthened healthcare infrastructure, regional cooperation, and investment in local vaccine production. 'We must build resilient health systems, collaborate across borders, and prioritize local manufacturing to ensure we're prepared for future health threats,' the President said. He also emphasized the importance of developing a well-trained healthcare workforce and engaging the private sector and communities in health security efforts. The summit, which runs until January 30th, focuses on crafting actionable strategies to enhance health security in East Africa through collaboration, innovation, and investment. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
