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Mombasa County Assembly partners with Hakijamii to enhance reproductive health policies

The Mombasa County Assembly Health Committee with Speaker Aharub Khatri during the signing of an MoU between the assembly and Hakijamii at the assembly chambers. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | 28 Apr 2024

The Assembly Chair of the Committee on Health Bernard Ogutu, affirmed the assembly's commitment to realising health rights, including reproductive health, for all residents.

Mombasa County Assembly has entered into an MoU with Hakijamii, an economic and social health centre to promote and facilitate effective implementation of reproductive health laws and policies in Mombasa County.

The MoU is intended for the development of a comprehensive policy on Reproductive Health in Mombasa County.

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It will also review and operationalize the existing legislation on the Reproductive Health Act of 2017 which has some gaps

County Assembly Speaker, Aharub Khatri, underscored the importance of the collaboration, emphasizing its role in developing comprehensive policies on reproductive health and addressing gaps within existing legislation.

"This partnership will promote robust community engagement and public participation throughout the policy-making and implementation process," Aharub said.

The Mombasa County Assembly Health Committee with Speaker Aharub Khatri during the signing of an MoU between the assembly and Hakijamii at the assembly chambers. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Hakijamii's representative, Lucy Baraza outlined the four-year focus areas of the MoU, including raising awareness on reproductive health issues, policy development and review, capacity building for healthcare providers, and monitoring and evaluation of activities.

Inclusivity

"Inclusivity and responsiveness to community needs are paramount in our efforts to formulate effective policies," she said.

Acknowledging Hakijamii's dedication to health rights advocacy, the Assembly Chair of the Committee on Health Bernard Ogutu, affirmed the assembly's commitment to realising health rights, including reproductive health, for all residents.

The Mombasa County Assembly Health Committee and the Hakijamii representatives at the assembly chambers. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

"This partnership has the potential to drive positive change and improve access to essential healthcare services,” he said.

Expressing gratitude for Hakijamii's initiative, Speaker Aharub pledged the assembly's support, citing the constitutional mandate to prioritise public health.

He discussed the problem of expensive healthcare in public and private hospitals, particularly highlighting Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. He stressed the need to lower medical expenses to support the local community.

“Reducing healthcare costs, especially at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, is crucial for ensuring equitable access to medical services for our residents," the speaker said.

Khatri called for proactive oversight measures, including site visits to public health facilities, to enhance service delivery and ensure the effective implementation of reproductive health policies.