NGPU November 24, 2023

Nakuru County Advances Towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Written by Ruth Magak

In a significant leap towards realizing the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Nakuru County has solidified its commitment by signing an Intergovernmental Participation Agreement with the National Government through the Ministry of Health.

This transformative step is not just a bureaucratic formality; it’s a testament to the collective determination of both levels of government to bring about positive change in the health landscape of the county.

The roots of this initiative align with the global commitment under the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, serving as a guiding beacon for Nakuru County’s health endeavors.

The agreement inked today resonates with the shared responsibility to address health disparities and enhance healthcare access for every resident.

At the core of this collaboration is the principle of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a fundamental right that envisions all individuals and communities having access to quality essential health services without facing financial barriers.

This commitment aligns seamlessly with the “Afya Nyumbani” approach championed by H.E. Dr. William Ruto and adopted by H.E. Governor Susan Kihika in Nakuru.

“Afya Nyumbani,” or health at home, is more than a slogan—it’s a comprehensive strategy towards the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. It is a belief that quality healthcare should not be a luxury but a fundamental right.

The approach ensures that no one in Nakuru County should be forced to choose between their health and their financial stability.

Governor Susan Kihika, recognizing the pivotal role of Primary Health Care (PHC) in achieving UHC, has made it a cornerstone of her flagship projects.

Within this framework, Community Health Services emerge as the vital platform for service delivery in the UHC agenda. With a shift of focus to promoting access to primary healthcare services at the community level, the county aims to empower individuals and families to take charge of their health and well-being.

The focus extends beyond conventional public health and medical services. Nakuru County’s UHC initiative encompasses a broad spectrum of health services, ranging from preventive and promotive health to curative health through General Outpatient Services and well-stocked Pharmacies to specialized clinics addressing prevalent health issues such as diabetes and hypertension among other Non-Communicable Diseases.

Antenatal clinics, Child Welfare clinics, Nutrition and Wellness Services, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, and an Integrated Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC) form a robust network that caters to the diverse health needs of the community across all levels of care.

This journey toward UHC is not just a theoretical commitment. It’s a practical and tangible effort that involves every stakeholder in Nakuru County. The Deputy Governor, H.E. David Kones, led the signing of the agreement—a momentous occasion that signifies a united front in the pursuit of accessible and equitable healthcare for all.

This collaborative journey toward UHC is a testament to the power of partnerships, shared vision, and proactive governance.

Nakuru County is not just signing an agreement; it’s making a promise to its people—a promise of a healthier, more resilient future where health is not just a privilege but a right for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The County Attorney, Caleb Nyamwange, and the County Executive Committee Member for Health, Roselyn Mungai joined the Deputy Governor during the agreement signing today.