The Head of National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Dr. Andrew Mulwa, has asked political leaders to refrain from politicising public health matters, especially on the ongoing debate on the establishment of an Ebola preparedness facility in the country.
Dr. Mulwa noted that disease outbreaks are addressed through scientific and public health experts, other than political rhetoric, which is derailing the government health agenda.
He reminded Kenyans that infectious diseases like Ebola do not discriminate based on geographical location, saying it can affect anyone regardless of where they live, particularly in these times when there is rapid and frequent mobility amongst countries.
“When we talk about public health, this is a professional field that focuses on preventing and managing diseases. Ebola is not a disease that can affect people in one particular area only. It can affect anyone, anywhere,” said Dr. Mulwa during a Women Empowerment Forum at the compound of the Kako/Waia Assistant County Commissioner’s office in Mbooni East Sub-county on Sunday.
“I support the government’s efforts in establishing facilities capable of handling highly infectious diseases, noting that preparedness is a fundamental responsibility of the government that needs to be undertaken,” he added.
The health official said it was imperative for every region to have facilities capable of responding efficiently whenever dangerous outbreaks of diseases occur.
“Makueni County is on approximately 184 kilometers along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. This makes it important for us to remain prepared for any public health emergency. Even as an Ebola facility is being established in Laikipia, leaders here should begin planning for a similar preparedness center in Salama,” Dr. Mulwa posed.
Consequently, Dr. Mulwa warned against turning critical health interventions into political battlegrounds, saying such actions risk undermining public confidence and preparedness efforts.
“I want politics to be kept out of health matters. Public health decisions should be guided by science, preparedness, and the welfare of citizens,” he observed.
While saying the government has done a lot under President William Ruto in the health sector, noting that the introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA) has brought about universal health access to healthcare services, especially for the vulnerable people.
Further, he explained that through the Primary Health Care Fund, registered Kenyans access services at dispensaries and health centers free-of-charge, regardless of whether they have made contributions to the scheme or not.
He further praised the government’s decision to strengthen the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) programme, noting that over 107,000 CHPs across the country are now receiving monthly stipends after years of serving communities voluntarily.
“Community health promoters are the first line of healthcare in our villages. The government has empowered them and ensured they receive monthly payments for the critical services they offer to patients,” Dr. Mulwa said.
He disclosed that for the last one-year SHA has disbursed over Sh1 billion to support healthcare delivery in Makueni County.
Dr. Mulwa’s remarks come amid national debate on disease preparedness and the government’s plans to enhance Kenya’s capacity to respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Speaking at the same forum, Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika called upon Makueni residents to support the government, saying such unity will hasten development in the area.
Mbaika reminded residents that the government has initiated several projects, including the tarmacking of Emali-Ukia and Itangini-Ngoluni-Tawa Roads, affordable houses in Wote, Kikima, and Makindu towns, and the construction of markets in Kilala, Kasikeu, and Wote, among other projects.
She asked residents of the lower east side to ignore political rhetoric by the opposition, who are always criticizing every government agenda regardless of the benefits to the country.
Other leaders who addressed the women included Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse and Tanathin Water Works Development Authority Chairperson Regina Ndambuki, among other leaders.
By Patrick Nyakundi
