Kirsten Sherk

Kenya Screens Millions for Diabetes and Maternal Health, Refers Thousands for Care, Says PS Public Health In a concerted effort to enhance public health outcomes, the Ministry of Health, led by Public Health Secretary Mary Muthoni, has successfully conducted extensive screening programs across Kenya. According to recent data shared by the ministry, 3.85 million individuals have undergone screening for diabetes. Out of these, 70,002 individuals have been referred to health facilities for further testing and management, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention in managing this chronic condition effectively. Simultaneously, the ministry has prioritized maternal health through targeted initiatives. A total of 151,000 pregnant women have been identified through proactive outreach efforts. Of these, 59,800 women have been referred to health facilities for comprehensive antenatal care services. This initiative aims not only to ensure the well-being of expectant mothers but also to promote healthy pregnancies and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates across the country. Secretary Mary Muthoni emphasized the ministry's commitment to improving health outcomes by leveraging proactive screening strategies and ens... #Diabetes #Maternalhealth #MinistryofHealth

HIV Service Delivery Integration Summit Concludes in Mombasa After Four-Day Forum with Health Stakeholders The HIV Service Delivery Integration Summit has successfully concluded in Mombasa after four days of intensive deliberations. The forum brought together a wide array of health stakeholders from across the country to discuss and strategize on enhancing HIV service delivery integration. Participants, including healthcare professionals, policy makers, and representatives from various health organizations, engaged in productive discussions aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of HIV services within the broader healthcare system. The summit focused on integrating HIV services with other health services to provide comprehensive care for patients. Key topics addressed during the summit included innovative approaches to service delivery, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable funding for HIV programs. The discussions also emphasized the importance of community involvement and the need for robust partnerships to tackle HIV more effectively. The successful conclusion of the summit marks a significant step towards more integrated and efficient HIV service delivery in Kenya, with a commitment to improving healt... #Health #HIV #Mombasa

Africa Launches Historic Health Investment Charter to Tackle Critical Health Worker Shortages In a landmark initiative poised to transform healthcare across Africa, the continent is set to unveil its first-ever health investment charter at the African Health Workforce Investment Forum in Windhoek, Namibia, from May 6-8, 2024. This pioneering charter aims to mobilize resources and strengthen efforts to address the severe shortage of health workers, a pressing issue that threatens health systems and public well-being. Africa faces a critical shortfall of 5.3 million health workers, prompting the ambitious goal of halving this deficit by 2030 through concerted investment and strategic partnerships. The African Health Workforce Investment Charter will rally both domestic and international funding to bolster the recruitment, training, and retention of health professionals, particularly in rural and primary healthcare settings. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, underscores the urgency of this initiative, emphasizing the detrimental impact of underinvestment and workforce migration on healthcare delivery across the continent. Efforts will focus on optimizing health workforce management to combat inefficiencies and ensure resour... #Africa #Health #HealthWorker

Climate Change Poses Growing Health Risks for Children Climate change is increasingly affecting children's health, with immediate consequences becoming evident. From compromised immune systems to altered development of brains and lungs, the health impacts are compounded by overlapping climate-related hazards. Rising temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather events are among the factors contributing to these health challenges. Children, particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies and higher exposure to environmental risks, face heightened risks from these climate impacts. Addressing these health risks requires urgent action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects. Protecting children's health necessitates comprehensive strategies that prioritize clean air, resilient communities, and sustainable practices to safeguard their well-being amidst a changing climate. #Children #Climate #Health

Kenya’s Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) Show Remarkable Success: Increased Family Planning and Skilled Deliveries, Says PS Mary Muthoni Kenya's efforts to strengthen its healthcare system through Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) have yielded notable achievements, according to Mary Muthoni, the Permanent Secretary of Public Health. PCNs have played a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare coverage and access across the country, with significant improvements reported in Garissa and Vihiga Counties. In Garissa County, Family Planning Integration Coverage increased from 66% in 2019 to an impressive 87% by 2022. Similarly, the rate of skilled deliveries rose significantly from 77% to 98%, reflecting the effectiveness of PCNs in improving maternal and reproductive health services. PCNs are designed to integrate various levels of healthcare delivery and coordinate multidisciplinary health teams. This approach ensures that communities receive comprehensive and coordinated care, addressing their diverse health needs effectively. Mary Muthoni highlighted these achievements as evidence of Kenya's commitment to advancing Primary Health Care. The success of PCNs not only signifies progress in healthcare service delivery but also under... #FamilyPlanning #PCNs #PSMaryMuthoni

Kenya Signs Global Fund Grant of USD 407,989,068 (Ksh 59.7B) to Support HIV, TB, and Malaria Interventions Kenya has taken a significant step in bolstering its healthcare system by signing a Global Fund grant worth USD 407,989,068 (equivalent to Ksh 59.7 billion). This substantial funding aims to enhance the country’s efforts in combating HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, three of the most critical public health challenges. Funding Allocation:The grant will be distributed to support various programs and initiatives targeting the prevention, treatment, and management of HIV, TB, and malaria. These funds will be used to procure essential medications, improve healthcare infrastructure, and implement community-based interventions. Program Objectives: HIV Interventions:The funding will be used to expand access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), improve testing and diagnostic services, and strengthen awareness and prevention campaigns. TB Control:Efforts to combat TB will include enhancing diagnostic capabilities, providing treatment for multidrug-resistant TB, and integrating TB services with HIV care. Malaria Prevention and Treatment:The grant will support the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spr... #GlobalFundGrant #HIV #Malaria #TB

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Africa, with over 384 million social media users as of 2022, and around 570 million internet users in 2022, plus the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has recorded widespread misinformation and disinformation campaigns within the continent, with powerful politicians, governments and even prominent media organisations spending millions to deliberately misinform citizens, for a certain desired outcome. https://lnkd.in/dZt595UT Interestingly, almost 60% of the disinformation campaigns in Africa, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies reveals, originate primarily from Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, targeting at least 39 African countries. #misinformation #disinformation #artficialintelligence #factchecking #politics #propaganda #hatespeech