Plans by the World Health Organisation to establish a logistics hub in Nairobi are almost complete with the ground-breaking set for later this month.
A virtual meeting between Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Matshidiso Moeti resolved to fast-track construction of the facility that will be equipped with Emergency Medical Personnel, Commodities and equipment to support Kenya as well as other countries in the region.
Speaking during the meeting, the health CS said there was a need for Kenya and the region to adequately prepare for the next pandemic adding that the Covid-19 epidemic provided critical lessons especially for developing nations.
“One of the challenges we had during Covid-19 was supply. Moving forward, what we must be prepared for is local supply of what might be needed in an emergency. It’s important to not just build a hub but also think about local manufacturing support, observed the health CS.
He said the government has already identified a site where the hub will be set up next to Kenyatta University, Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH). Africa CDC collaboration Centre has also been allocated land in the area as well as the Kenya National Public Health Institute.
According to Dr. Moeti, there is a need to work around partnerships especially building an efficient workforce bearing in mind Kenya’s expanded role adding that the Hub will be a Centre of Excellence in Emergency Medical Training.
“Research in Africa is funded from outside. We need to do national investments in line with your proposal. On training, we are keen on ensuring we have the people we require when we need them not just from Kenya but the region.” Noted Dr. Moeti.
This even as he lauded Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage Agenda saying his organisation is ready to support ongoing efforts.
The logistics hub is expected to build and support capacity in disaster management systems, as well as technical expertise besides prioritizing high profile disease-specific strategies and timely risk assessment.
Source: Ministry of Health