The National Multi-Hazard Preparedness and Response Plan was finalised during a strategic workshop held in Nakuru by the Ministry of Health.
With help from the World Health Organisation, this comprehensive strategy covers all phases of health-related threats, including prevention, identification, readiness, response, and recovery.
“The purpose of this document is to reaffirm the government’s dedication to strengthening the infrastructure for a multi-sectoral response to disasters and public health threats, in alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and the Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Framework,” stated Dr. Maureen Kamene, Ag. Director of the Directorate of Public Health and Sanitation, in a speech delivered by Dr. Peter Ongubo, Emergency Preparedness and Response Lead at MOH Kenya, during the official opening ceremony.
The Ministry’s commitment to bolstering mechanisms for the health sector’s readiness, reaction, and coordination during emergencies, epidemics, and catastrophes is reflected in the creation of the Health Sector All Hazards readiness and reaction Plan.
Changes in laws and policies as well as the important lessons discovered during the COVID-19 epidemic have an impact on this endeavour.
The plan takes direction from a wide range of Kenya’s international and domestic commitments, including the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), WHO Health Emergencies Framework, Agenda 2030, National Emergency and Disaster Response Plan 2020, Kenya Health Policy (KHP), International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), and Joint External Evaluation (JEE) reports, among many others.
“The Ministry expresses its gratitude to WHO and all contributors who played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the draft plan for 2023. The health sector looks forward to substantial progress in achieving an efficient multi-hazard response and bolstering disaster resilience nationwide,” she stated.
In order to ensure the effective execution of this important strategy, she also emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to encouraging joint efforts, boosting collaboration among national and county governments, health sector partners, and other stakeholders.
In attendance are Dr. Livinus Martins Chinueze, the Epidemic Preparedness and Response Lead WHO Kenya, along with representatives from CDC, UNICEF, EGPAF, ADRA, ZIPLINE, St. John’s Ambulance, universities and colleges among others.
