The Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Nakhumicha S. Wafula and Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. A. Diallo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a WHO Regional Emergency Hub for Eastern and Southern Africa in Nairobi.
According to reports, the Kenya Kwanza Administration will donate Kenyatta University land for the setting up of the regional hub.
The hub will serve as a modern storage center for essential medical equipment and consumables that will ensure timely logistical support to countries with emergencies in Eastern and Southern Africa. It will also house a center of excellence specialized in capacity building in health and crisis emergency management.
Through this partnership with WHO, Kenya will have access to the organization’s global network of experts, knowledge, and resources, and will be able to leverage the latest innovations and technologies to improve response times and the ability to provide essential healthcare services during emergencies.
”This historic moment comes at a critical time when the African Region is facing an increasing number of health emergencies, threatening years of health and development progress in the region. Kenya is committed to working with the WHO and other regional partners to strengthen health systems and improve preparedness and response to health emergencies, CS Nakhumicha said on Monday.
Dr. A. Diallo, the WHO representative, highlighted that the emergency hub is the first of its kind in Africa and commended the commitment shown by the Kenyan government in providing 30 hectares of land for it.
