Health CS, Hon Susan Nakhumicha, officially launched the Health Emergency Preparedness Response & Resilience Program (HEPRR) in Eastern & Southern Africa. Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, the CS acknowledged the current challenges, including the country’s susceptibility to various health-related emergencies and the devastating impacts of climate change. The launch of the HEPRR program at this time underscores the urgency and relevance of strengthening our healthcare systems.
Kenya, like many countries, faces the threat of infectious disease outbreaks. Establishing HEPRR programs can enhance the country’s ability to detect, contain, and respond to epidemics and pandemics such as cholera and novel viruses like COVID-19. Launching HEPRR programs in Kenya is a significant step towards enhancing the country’s ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from health emergencies. This initiative holds the potential to save lives and safeguard public health, inspiring hope for a healthier and more resilient future. The driving force is the government’s commitment to attaining Universal Health Coverage. This has been made possible by harmonizing legislative and workforce development to achieve success in programs that support a resilient and robust health system.
Funded by the World Bank Group with an impressive budget of 1 billion USD over seven years, HEPRR aims to significantly enhance health emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and resilience across East and Southern Africa. She took the opportunity to thank the World Bank for their dedication to pandemic financing and other partners such as the IGAD, ESCA,African Union, and Africa CDC.