Brief Summary
This video discusses the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, Switzerland, where global health policies are determined. Kenya, as a member state, will participate and highlight its advancements in primary healthcare as a path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The assembly's theme is "One world for health," and Kenya will showcase its contributions to meeting SDG targets through primary healthcare networks and community health promoters. The goal is to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
- The WHA78 will address global health policies and strategies.
- Kenya will showcase its primary healthcare initiatives.
- The assembly's theme is "One world for health".
Introduction to the 78th World Health Assembly
The speaker introduces the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, Switzerland, emphasizing its significance as a gathering of delegations from all 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO). Kenya is a member state and will be participating in the assembly. The WHA serves as the highest decision-making body of the WHO, convening annually in May to establish and endorse global health policies. These global health policies are then adapted into regional and national health strategies and guidelines on various health topics.
Key Topics at WHA78
The speaker outlines the key topics to be addressed at this year's WHA, including non-communicable diseases, mental health, universal health coverage (UHC), human resources for health, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, antimicrobial resistance, disease outbreak prevention, preparedness, response, resilience, the impact of chemicals, pollution and climate change on health, neglected tropical diseases, and emerging infectious diseases. The World Health Assembly has a theme every year to galvanize governments and global leaders to consolidate their support and resources towards the most pressing health needs.
Kenya's Focus on Primary Healthcare
The theme for this year's WHA is "One world for health." Kenya will make a bold national statement at the WHA, emphasizing primary healthcare as the most effective and equitable path to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Kenya will showcase its contributions to meeting the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets on UHC under the current administration. This includes establishing primary healthcare networks and deploying over 107,000 community health promoters, equipping and empowering them to ensure health services reach the grassroots level.
Post-Assembly Plans and Commitment
Upon returning from the WHA, efforts will be intensified to ensure all citizens have equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare at international standards. This will involve implementing priorities, solutions, lessons learned, and best practices by benchmarking with other countries attending the WHA. The Ministry of Health is committed to providing updates on their work to advance health for all in Kenya, and encourages the public to follow their social media platforms for the latest information and news from the WHA.
