Kwale – The Kenyan government, in partnership with USAID and UNICEF, has initiated the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCAHN) Equity Programme. This three-year initiative is designed to enhance community well-being in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, aligning with Kenya’s Universal Health Care (UHC) agenda.
According to Kenya News Agency, who was represented by Dr. Issak Bashir, head of the Department of Family Health, the RMNCAHN Equity Programme is a pivotal step in addressing health disparities nationwide. The initiative is particularly crucial given the higher health statistics contributions from ASAL counties. The CS highlighted the government’s focus on reducing child mortality rates and promoting family planning, with ASAL regions currently recording the highest fertility rates as per Kenya Health Statistics (KHS).
Isiolo County Governor Abdi Ibrahim also emphasized the program’s significance in achieving Universal Health Care. He pledged the support of the governors, underlining their commitment to lowering child mortality rates in ASAL areas. Governor Ibrahim further acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change in these regions, including health hazards like flooding leading to waterborne diseases, displacement, and fatalities.
Governor Ibrahim praised the efforts of USAID, UNICEF, and the government for their outreach in ASAL counties and promised continued collaboration. He also called upon stakeholders to focus on impactful projects that would bolster the initiative, reinforcing a collective commitment to the success of this significant health equity program.