Amref Health Africa, Partners Launch Campaign to Mitigate Nurses Strike

Amref Health Africa in Kenya in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners is taking part in the rapid response CatchUp campaign to mitigate effects of the ongoing countrywide industrial action by nurses.

The campaign which was launched today (October 19) by Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu is believed to go a long way in responding to priority health service delivery needs in the country. The strike by nurses has had negative effects on the health status of Kenyans. Coupled with recent drought, floods, outbreak of diseases such as malaria and cholera, the strike has repressed the gains made in the health sector.

Through a joint work-plan, Amref Health Africa in Kenya is supporting response to malaria outbreak in Turkana through Community Case Management by Community Health Volunteers and referral to functional health facilities and provision of immunisation, family planning and ante-natal care services through integrated outreaches in Turkana, Samburu, Kitui, Siaya, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Nairobi Counties.

Amref Health Africa in Kenya is also supporting HIV and TB testing and treatment by offering an integrated package of care and infant diagnosis in affected counties and supporting temporary recruitment of frontline health workers in priority Counties to support service delivery.

“The strike has affected our health interventions in the most marginalised parts of Kenya, negatively affecting the health of women, men, youth and children and leading to a sharp decline in health indicators,” said Dr Meshack Ndirangu, Country Director for Amref Health Africa in Kenya.

“Amref supports the on-going negotiations between the Government, Council of Governors and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and urges all the parties involved to embrace dialogue to find a return-to-work formula,” he added.

Dr Ndirangu emphasized the organisation’s commitment to ensuring universal healthcare to Kenyans. “We wish to reiterate our commitment to achieving universal health care and continued partnership with the National and the County Governments as well as implementing partners in ensuring smooth operations of service delivery.”

First published HERE by Impact Hub Media.