The Kenyan government has earmarked Ksh. 741 million (USD 5 million) and allocated 30 acres of Kenyatta University land to the World Health Organization (WHO) to bolster the establishment of the WHOAFRO Regional Emergency Operations and Logistics (OSL) Hub.
This decision follows a meeting in Nairobi between Public Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni and WHO officials, aiming to address gaps in responding to public health emergencies.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health (MoH) outlined the significance of this collaboration. “PS Mary Muthoni and Mr. Adama Thiam, Head of Operations & Logistics Management at WHO-AFRO, held fruitful discussions with Norwegian officials, led by Ambassador for Global Health at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John-Arne Rottingen, advancing this vital initiative,” the MoH stated. “Ms. Muthoni emphasized that the hub signifies a brighter future for emergency response, not just in Kenya but also throughout the region.”
According to the MoH, WHO-AFRO is currently overseeing more than 142 ongoing emergencies, encompassing disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises, solidifying its global role in addressing public health challenges.
Acknowledging the importance of robust health systems, the MoH stressed the need for countries to prioritize healthcare quality even during emergencies. Despite constituting over 70% of emergency response efforts, operations, supply chain management, and logistics have historically been underfunded.
“The establishment of this hub in Kenya not only promises to enhance regional coordination but also aims to become a center of excellence for emergency operations,” the MoH affirmed.
By Newshub