Preventive care now top priority as State unveils universal healthcare

Efforts by the government to improve health services in Kenya have continued to receive support, with the focus shifting from curative to preventive healthcare.

Attention is also being given to enhancing access to health services throughout the country, which saw the Kenya Kwanza government, in partnership with county governments, hire 100,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to supplement the efforts of hospitals and medical staff in offering health services.

Ahead of the launch of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by President William Ruto in Kericho County during Mashujaa Day celebrations on Friday, October 20, 2023, stakeholders, including the Nairobi Hospital, carried out initiatives aimed at preventing diseases.

These activities included screening for diseases, which enable early detection and management.

Preventive health is the application of healthcare measures to prevent diseases, disability and death, and generally improve one's well-being. In most cases, diseases are affected by environmental factors and lifestyle choices, among other factors.

Just before the UHC launch, the county government of Kericho unveiled a new system in an effort to transform the provision of health services.

The system, dubbed Smart Primary Health Care Network, will collect, store and disseminate health data to inform critical decisions, according to the administration of Governor Erick Mutai.

UHC seeks to have all people access good quality health services, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.

Mary Kamau, Nairobi Hospital Director of Nursing Services, called on Kenyans not to ignore simple measures such as washing of hands, which she said go a long way in preventing many diseases.

Speaking to KTN News on Thursday, Ms Kamau said: "Many diseases, such as cholera, common cold and COVID-19, can be prevented effectively by taking simple measures such as washing hands and wearing face masks."

For weeks, she said, Nairobi Hospital was on a journey pushing for the uptake of handwashing as part of events to mark this year's International Handwashing Day, marked on October 15, and the International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) on October 15 - 21.

"The International Handwashing Day was launched in Sweden in 2008 during a drive that saw at least 120 million children in 70 countries wash their hands with water and soap. The campaign was launched after it became clear washing hands was key in preventing infections," said Kamau.

Effective handwashing takes several steps targeting the palm of the hand, back of the hands, fingertips, thumbs and wrist, before one can rinse their hands with clean water.

As part of activities to mark the IIPW, Nairobi Hospital, under the theme "Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention", lined up various activities.

A team from Nairobi Hospital, led by Deputy Director of Nursing Jemimah Wanjiru, visited Donholm Primary School in Nairobi, where it took learners and teachers through various ways of preventing diseases, which included handwashing and sanitising.

Ms Wanjiru said their focus has shifted to prevention, "because it is the easiest way to cure diseases".

"Infection prevention may sound so simple but it is not. But when well executed, these measures have proved to prevent diseases and even death," Wanjiru said.

IIPW also serves to remind healthcare professionals and the public of the role everyone plays in the prevention of infections.

The hospital is also championing increased uptake of the cholera, pneumonia and Covid-19 vaccines as part of its CSR programme.

"We are happy that what we are doing has also coincided with the launch of UHC by the President. Both UHC and the sensitization we are doing are meant to improve the health of our people, and reduce the financial burden on families," said Wanjiru.

Preventive healthcare includes screening for diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. It also involves looking for future disease risks, such as high cholesterol and obesity.

Discussions on how to lead healthy lifestyles, including healthy eating and exercise, alcohol use and safe drinking, and tips on how to quit smoking are also part of these efforts.

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, speaking in Kericho ahead of the UHC launch, said: "This day is a unifying moment when our entire country not only pays homage to our heroes but also embarks on a journey towards a future where quality healthcare is a reality for all, regardless of their circumstances."

The CS said the Kenya Kwanza government is determined to ensure everyone can access high-quality healthcare services when needed most.

"It places the well-being of our citizens at the forefront of our healthcare system," Ms Nakhumicha said.

President Ruto, who spoke at Kericho Green Stadium on Friday, October 20, 2023, said his administration is employing various initiatives geared towards preventive healthcare that saves costs while saving lives.

"For every Sh1 invested in preventive care, we are saving up to Sh9.40 in social and economic gain," said Ruto.

He said his administration has a special focus on community health - simple health services delivered by laymen outside hospitals. He said the provision of quality health services is a major pillar of Kenya Kwanza's Bottom-up economic agenda.

Community health, a subset of public health, is at the centre of Ruto's plan to deliver quality healthcare, with CHPs having been given a prominent role in this drive.

"Unlike before, we have decided to start paying CHPs a stipend and provide them with the necessary equipment, including smartphones. Each CHP will be in charge of 100 homes in their localities," Ruto said, adding the central government will share the burden of paying CHPs with counties on a 50/50 basis.

"I am happy to note one million households in 10 counties have already been visited by CHPs, who have captured their data that will come in handy in planning and resource allocation," the President said even as he commissioned 100,000 CHPs.

"The national government has already set aside Sh3 billion for that programme. We expect counties to provide their own part of the contribution to the plan," said Ruto adding that he has already signed four new laws he is confident will massively improve Kenya's healthcare system.

WBulemi@standardmedia.co.ke