Mbooni east: The Head of National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Dr. Andrew Mulwa, has asked political leaders to refrain from politicising public health matters, especially on the ongoing debate on the establishment of an Ebola preparedness facility in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mulwa emphasized that disease outbreaks should be addressed by scientific and public health experts rather than political rhetoric, which he claims is derailing the government’s health agenda. He urged Kenyans to recognize that infectious diseases like Ebola can affect anyone, regardless of geographical location, particularly in a time of rapid and frequent international mobility.
Dr. Mulwa was speaking at a Women Empowerment Forum held at the Kako/Waia Assistant County Commissioner’s office in Mbooni East Sub-county, where he underscored the importance of public health as a professional field focused on disease prevention and management. He expressed support for the government’s efforts in establishing facilities capable of handling highly infectious diseases, stating that preparedness is a fundamental government responsibility.
He emphasized the need for every region to have facilities capable of responding efficiently to dangerous disease outbreaks. Dr. Mulwa highlighted Makueni County’s strategic location along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, stressing the importance of being prepared for public health emergencies. He suggested that, even as an Ebola facility is being established in Laikipia, leaders should plan for a similar preparedness center in Salama.
Dr. Mulwa cautioned against transforming critical health interventions into political battlegrounds, warning that such actions risk undermining public confidence and preparedness efforts. He reiterated the importance of keeping politics out of health matters, advocating for public health decisions to be guided by science, preparedness, and the welfare of citizens.
He acknowledged the achievements under President William Ruto’s administration in the health sector, particularly the introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA) that has improved universal health access. Through the Primary Health Care Fund, registered Kenyans can access services at dispensaries and health centers free-of-charge, regardless of their contributions to the scheme.
Dr. Mulwa also praised the government’s decision to strengthen the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) programme, noting that over 107,000 CHPs across the country now receive monthly stipends for their services. He revealed that over the past year, SHA has disbursed over Sh1 billion to support healthcare delivery in Makueni County.
His remarks come amid a national debate on disease preparedness and the government’s plans to enhance Kenya’s capacity to respond to emerging infectious diseases. Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika, speaking at the same forum, urged Makueni residents to support the government, emphasizing that unity will hasten development in the area.
Mbaika highlighted several governmental projects underway, including road tarmacking, the construction of affordable housing, and market development, urging residents to ignore opposition rhetoric that criticizes government initiatives. Other leaders, including Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse and Tanathin Water Works Development Authority Chairperson Regina Ndambuki, also addressed the attendees.
