State launches project to promote healthcare education, combat heart diseases

The Ministry of Health has launched a programme dubbed 'Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP)' set to elevate healthcare education.

The project, in support of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, was unveiled on Wednesday by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha at the Kenya Medical Training College in Gatundu campus.

CS Nakhumicha emphasised that the initiative will revolutionise healthcare education and the management of CardioMetabolic Diseases (CMDs) in the country.

"It is not just a project; it's a commitment to addressing the pressing health challenges facing our nation. It perfectly aligns with the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the noble vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage," Nakhumicha said.

She noted that the project will employ a hub-and-spoke approach by establishing six central hubs for coordination.

The KMTC Embu Campus will serve as the pilot hub in the initial phase followed by Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu.

"These central hubs will function as coordination centres, linking to various spokes that represent different KMTC Campuses within their respective regions," she said.

Collaboration

The CS reiterated that the partnerships mirror the government's commitment to promoting collaboration across multiple sectors.

"Through networking, exchange programmes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, we are making sure that best practices and innovative approaches are shared and scaled up efficiently," she said.

Nakhumicha added that the surge in Non-Communicable Diseases is not just a health concern but a roadblock to long-term economic growth.

"Non-communicable diseases, including Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), are preventable yet costly, causing premature deaths among our most productive citizens and resulting in substantial societal and economic burdens. These diseases now surpass HIV/AIDS and malaria, contributing to 50 per cent of hospital admissions and 55 per cent of hospital deaths," she said.

She further lauded the approval of health Acts, attributing it as a start to tackling health issues.

"Recent legislation, including the Social Health Insurance Act, Digital Health Act, Primary Healthcare Act, and Facility Improvement Financing Act, signals a transformative shift in our healthcare landscape," Nakhumicha said.

"These laws pave the way for a comprehensive restructuring of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), ensuring better healthcare accessibility for all, especially those in lower socioeconomic strata."

Principal Secretary of Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the launch of the programme signals a new era in Kenya's healthcare sector with stakeholders committed to working collaboratively towards a healthier and more resilient nation.