Health Advocacy Groups meet MPs over financing Primary Health Care in Kenya

By Reporter

The Health NGOs Network (HENNET), PATH and The Kenya Health Federation (KHF) hosted a roundtable discussion to forge effective partnership for future engagements, knowledge-sharing, and the mutual exchange of ideas between Civil Society and the members of the National Assembly Health Committee.

The Kenya Primary Health Care Strategic Framework 2019-2024 outlines that the adequacy of resources and efficiency in which such resources are allocated and used is critical to the provision of quality health service and elimination of inequalities in the operationalization of the Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) which will guarantee that all Kenyans have access to essential health services they need as provided in the Constitution of Kenya (18), without suffering financial hardship as envisaged under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking during the occasion, Melissa Wanda -Policy and Advocacy County Lead Kenya at PATH said the health budget has been growing but has not matched the rapidly growing population.

“While population has grown by 5% in the last 3 years, per capita real allocation to health has increased by only 2.5%. The growth in the health budget is translated to growth in recurrent expenditure. The location of the percentage of the health budget to PHC remains minimal despite PHCs criticality to health outcomes. Counties allocate about 28% of their budgets to health which is still lower than the 35% allocation pre-devolution.Investing in PHC translates to high-quality, low cost of care and cost-effective care for people and communities,” Melissa stated.

PHC ensures equitable distribution of health and reduces the health care inequalities in populations health.

PHC aids in identification of early warning mechanism to detect and stop disease outbreaks before they become epidemic and pre-empt epidemics before they occur. PHC empowers individuals, families and communities to be active decision-makers for health while improving health through access to more appropriate services.

Key asks to the national assembly health committee are sustained increments in health budgets including for Primary Health Care (PHC), approve laws and legislations that prioritize financing towards UHC including private sector engagement and to interrogate health budgets to raise the priority given to preventive & promotive services.

HENNET’s Executive Director Margaret Lubaale said, “Health CSOs continue playing a critical role in advancing health outcomes in Kenya. HENNET has and continues to organize health CSOs to collaborate, share experiences and advocate for a healthy and empowered Kenyan society”

Speaking during the roundtable, Endebess MP Pukose Robert who doubles up as the chairperson for health committee pledged to continue engagements with CSOs and private sector to provide legislative support to continue efforts to promote health outcomes for the people of Kenya.