Amref Health Africa Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Githinji Gitahi on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 received the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) from the President of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta.
Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) is a presidential commendation given to recipients on the advice of the National Honours and Awards Committee in the Office of the President.
The President issued Dr Githinji the state commendation in recognition of outstanding contribution to the health sector at the helm of Amref Health Africa. Dr Githinji has been instrumental in promoting primary health care that is the core of Amref Health Africa’s work across the country.
In his congratulatory message, the chair of Amref Health Africa’s International Board Mr Omari Issa said,
“Dr Githinji has demonstrated a genuine passion and commitment to the realisation of the right to health. This award emphasises the need to continue pushing for lasting health change and focus on universal health coverage as the roadmap to achieving good health for all.”
Commenting on the award Dr Githinji said,
“It is a great honour to receive this distinguished award of Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear. I dedicate this award to all health volunteers who despite the challenges they face, continue to play a critical role in the country’s health care system.”
In 2017, Dr Githinji was appointed the Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of UHC2030, a global World Bank and World Health Organisation initiative for Universal Health Coverage. UHC2030 provides a multi-stakeholder platform that promotes collaborative working at global and country levels, advocating for increased political commitment to UHC and facilitating accountability and knowledge sharing.
Dr Githinji is also member of the Private Sector Advisory Board of Africa CDC and of the World Health Organisation’s Community Health Worker Hub. He is also a member of the Global Health Investment Advisory Board.