Nairobi, Kenya – June 10, 2025 – A high-level meeting was convened to review the implementation progress of key health sector programs funded by the World Bank. The meeting was chaired by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, and brought together senior representatives from implementing agencies and key stakeholders in the health sector. The review aimed to evaluate the current status of priority initiatives and chart the way forward to ensure impactful and sustainable health service delivery across the country.
Central to the discussions were three major programs: the Kenya COVID-19 Health Emergency Response Project (CHERP), the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Programme, and the Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (RMNCH) initiative under the Global Financing Facility (GFF). Each of these programs plays a pivotal role in strengthening Kenya’s health system, enhancing emergency preparedness, and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The COVID-19 Health Emergency Response Project (CHERP), launched during the peak of the pandemic, has contributed significantly to the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to COVID-19 cases. It has supported the procurement of essential medical supplies, expanded diagnostic services, and enhanced surveillance and case management capabilities. As part of the review, stakeholders assessed the sustainability of these interventions beyond the pandemic and how the strengthened infrastructure can be leveraged to tackle future public health threats.
The Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Programme aims to build a more robust health system capable of withstanding shocks such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters. Discussions highlighted the progress made in upgrading emergency operations centers, training rapid response teams, and improving coordination mechanisms across counties. Partners agreed on the importance of institutionalizing these systems to ensure long-term resilience and quicker response times in crisis situations.
In the area of reproductive, maternal, and child health, the RMNCH initiative supported by the Global Financing Facility has made strides in reducing maternal and child mortality through improved access to quality health services. The program emphasizes integrated service delivery, community outreach, and strengthening referral systems. Key achievements noted during the review include increased uptake of antenatal and postnatal care, expanded immunization coverage, and better-equipped health facilities.
Moving forward, the meeting underscored the need for continued collaboration, efficient resource utilization, and robust monitoring and evaluation to ensure that these investments yield lasting impact. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up successful interventions, addressing implementation bottlenecks, and aligning efforts with national health priorities.
The review concluded with a joint commitment to accelerate progress, enhance accountability, and drive equitable access to healthcare for all Kenyans.
