Latest news with #HarryKimtai
Zawya
28-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Unveils Blood Automation Plan at Africa Technology Day
Kenya is set to roll out whole blood automation technology as part of efforts to modernize its blood transfusion services and improve access to safe blood across the country. The announcement was made by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, during the Africa Technology Day hosted by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies in Nairobi. Addressing delegates from across Africa and representatives from Terumo Corporation Japan, Mr. Kimtai emphasized the central role of blood in health systems strengthening, noting that timely access to safe blood can save lives in critical situations such as surgery, childbirth, cancer treatment, and the management of Sickle Cell Disease. 'Blood is a life-saving resource. Without it, many medical services would come to a halt,' said Mr. Kimtai. 'Through automation, we will improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of blood services in Kenya.' The automation technology by Terumo will enable faster and higher-quality processing of donated blood, with the added benefit of reducing wastage. Once fully deployed in Kenya's regional blood centers, the technology will extend the shelf life of red blood cells from six days to 45 days and allow for frozen platelets to last up to two years. Mr. Kimtai also acknowledged the progress made by countries like Zambia and Uganda in adopting modern blood technologies and called on other African nations to follow their example. 'Africa has an opportunity to leapfrog in technology, rather than follow traditional evolutionary paths,' he said. He further appealed to the private sector, learning institutions, and the public to support voluntary blood donation and transition away from dependence on high school donors. 'Blood is a gift we all have — and one we can give freely to save lives,' he noted. The event brought together stakeholders from across the continent to explore innovations in blood management, with Kenya positioning itself at the forefront of modernizing health systems in line with the Universal Health Coverage agenda. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Principal Secretary for Medical Services (PS) Harry Kimtai Leads Launch and Presentation of Digitization Devices in Embu County
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, officiated the Launch and Presentation of Digitization Devices in Embu County today, marking a significant step in the county's implementation of Taifa Care. Embu is the second county to embrace digitization in healthcare services. Accompanied by Embu County Deputy Governor H.E. Kinyua Mugo, Hon. Moses Kuria, Senior Advisor at the Council of Economic Advisors, State House, Dr Daniel Mwai, Dr. Thuranira Kaugiria, Acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency Anthony Lenaiyara, and Acting CEO of SHA Robert Ingasira, among others, PS Kimtai reaffirmed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is operational. He noted that concerns about its effectiveness often stem from non-adherence to established guidelines and highlighted the increase in both the benefits package and revenue collection as key indicators of progress. 'We are here to take you through the new Primary Healthcare Model, including the capitation framework and benefits package. It is essential that the benefit package is displayed in all health facilities for public awareness,' he stated. He urged Embu county healthcare administrators to fully adopt the digitization structure and integrate it into service delivery. The event also covered the rollout of the Health Management Information System (HMIS) in Embu, detailing its implementation strategy and training plans. The engagement allowed county teams to share their experiences with SHA and DHA reinforcing the Ministry's commitment to a seamless transition to digital healthcare solutions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
14-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Dental Association Officials Pay Courtesy Call on Principal Secretary for Medical Services
Officials from the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) paid a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, to advocate for the strengthening of oral health within the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework. The discussions focused on key areas, including the expansion of Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits to cover comprehensive oral healthcare services. The officials also highlighted the need to boost local manufacturing, as over 90% of dental materials and equipment are currently imported, leading to high costs and limited accessibility. To enhance grassroots awareness and promote early intervention, the meeting emphasized the importance of training 750 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in oral health. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of shifting from curative to preventive care, ensuring timely diagnosis and management of oral health conditions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
07-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Endorses Communique on Advancing Health Products Manufacturing
African Union (AU) Member States have endorsed a communiqué aimed at strengthening local manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics, medicines, and other essential health products. Kenya's delegation, led by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, joined regional leaders in supporting key commitments to enhance health security and self-sufficiency across the continent. The communiqué highlights the upgrade of the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) to the Platform for Harmonized African Health Manufacturing (PHAHM) to drive self-reliance, the establishment of the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) to improve affordability and access, and the strengthening of regulatory frameworks through the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) and the African Medicines Agency (AMA). It also supports the Gavi African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), a $1.2 billion initiative to boost vaccine production, while promoting regional collaboration and financing mechanisms to sustain investments in Africa's health manufacturing sector. The forum urged AU Member States, regional economic communities, and global partners to prioritize procurement of African-made vaccines and health products to ensure demand certainty for local manufacturers. It also called for stronger commitments to talent development, financing, and coordinated procurement strategies to reduce import dependency. Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to advancing these initiatives, aligning with the AU's vision for a resilient and self-reliant health system across the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
