Health stakeholders in Kilifi County have called on the national government to strengthen local healthcare systems and increase domestic funding following uncertainty surrounding the Kenya–United States health agreement.
The call came days after the High Court suspended the implementation of the bilateral health deal over data privacy concerns, a move that has raised fears over the sustainability of donor-funded health programmes.
Speaking during the 3rd Kilifi County Scientific Symposium held in Kilifi town, the stakeholders, led by Stawisha Pwani Project Chief of Party Dr. Patrick Oyaro, said the government should prioritise the development of sustainable healthcare structures, particularly health insurance, to cushion the sector from declining donor support.
“We need to strengthen our local healthcare systems and invest more in sustainable financing mechanisms such as health insurance instead of relying heavily on international donors,” said Dr. Oyaro.
Dr. Oyaro noted that reduced international funding was already affecting key health programmes, underscoring the need for both national and county governments to urgently explore alternative financing mechanisms while also enhancing staffing capacity to safeguard essential health services.
“The decline in donor support is already impacting critical health interventions, and unless alternative funding mechanisms are put in place, essential services will be at risk,” he said.
The experts further warned that the suspension or withdrawal of donor-supported projects could severely impact vulnerable communities, citing growing concerns over an increased risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Kilifi County following the halt of targeted interventions.
“We are already seeing worrying trends, including an increased risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Kilifi County following the suspension of targeted interventions,” he cautioned.
They consequently urged the national government to increase budgetary allocations to the health sector at both levels of government in order to protect critical services and reduce reliance on external donors.
By Stephen Mrira
