Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has underscored the central role of nurses and midwives in achieving equitable and accessible healthcare for all Kenyans.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with representatives led by Dr. Judith Awinja, Head of Nursing and Midwifery Services, CS Duale emphasized that with over 70% of the health workforce comprised of nurses and midwives, their involvement is crucial to the success of UHC.
The meeting focused on aligning frontline healthcare workers with the Social Health Authority (SHA) packages, which include maternity, emergency, chronic illness, and palliative care services.
CS Duale urged nurses to lead public awareness efforts and SHA registration, positioning them as the face of the UHC rollout.
“Nurses and midwives are the bridge between policy and people. They hold the trust of the community and are essential in mobilizing support for our healthcare reforms,” Duale said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to continuous investment in training, technology, and equipment to support health workers.
Notably, the government is integrating nurses’ voices in the upcoming Artificial Intelligence in Health strategy and expanding digital tools like the electronic Community Health Information Systems (eCHIS).
Present at the meeting were Principal Secretary for Public Health Ms. Mary Muthoni, Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Mr. Adan Harakhe, signaling a whole-of-government approach to healthcare reform.
This engagement marks a milestone in placing frontline workers at the center of Kenya’s health transformation.
