Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
According to the ministry, current surveillance data shows a growing number of influenza cases across different regions, a trend that health officials say is expected during the seasonal cycle of the disease.
The Commission said the shortage has left children unable to access the nutrient during routine immunization visits, raising concerns about potential risks to child health.
According to KMPDU, the council has neglected its primary role of regulating practitioners and handling cases of medical misconduct, leaving both patients and doctors unprotected.
Social Health Authority CEO Mercy Mwangangi told the Senate that the first batch of foreign hospitals has now been approved for patient referrals.
The Ministry of Health has warned that urgent interventions are needed from both national and county governments to safeguard households and ease the growing pressure on hospitals.
The first counties set to receive the injections are Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Kiambu.
SHA is now operational in 10,277 facilities across the country. These include 5,672 county-run facilities, 533 managed by faith-based organisations, and 4,072 private providers.
The ministry added that preventive measures will also cover proper waste disposal, the distribution of mosquito nets and antimalarial drugs, provision of testing kits, and enhanced surveillance to detect outbreaks early.
Ashira explained that public health functions, from policy to execution, follow a chain that starts with the Ministry of Health, through the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, and down to the Director General and the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards.
The Public Health PS said Kenya is aligning with the World Health Organization goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. The global target is to have 90 percent of girls aged 10 to 14 vaccinated against HPV, 70 percent of women aged 25 to 49 screened, and 90 percent of those diagnosed treated.
In a detailed statement on Wednesday, Duale said the CBA currently ready for signing applies only to about 150 clinical officers employed directly by the Ministry of Health, a small fraction of the country’s clinical workforce.
The Ministry noted several key factors that facilitate the spread of infections, including close contact in crowded spaces such as parties, religious gatherings, and busy markets, as well as poor ventilation in indoor venues.