Kenya gets Sh2.9 billion grant to improve health access

Kenyans in poor and marginalised areas are set to benefit from subsidized health services after Japan confirmed a Sh2.9 billion grant for the sector.

The allocation courtesy of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme is set to increase access to health services for the poor by boosting free maternal health care from the current 62 to 70 per cent by December 2016.

The monies will also help upgrade peripheral health facilities, create new centres as well as subsidizing health insurance through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Already a pilot project has been initiated in Kilifi County where Sh8.8 million has been allocated to set up Malindi Community Health Centre. The grassroots projects will be carried out through the Japan's Grant Assistance Human Security Project (GGP).

Medical equipment to the facility will be provided by Japan's leading pharmaceutical distributor Nihon Koden.“As a county, we are also looking forward to upgrade some of our peripheral facilities to make sure our services are improved. However, malnutrition is still a major challenge at 39 percent higher than the overall 21 percent countrywide," said Acting County Director Health Dr Bilali Mazoya.

The facility is set to help improve maternal health care and help minimize the risks of non-communicable diseases.

GGP is a Japan driven initiative meant to meet the diverse needs of developing nations through supporting small scale development programmes carried out by non-profit organisations.

Maximum amount of a grant in one project in Kenya is Sh7million

"The grant of Sh8.8 million will include installation of medical equipment inclusive of the haematology analyser to make the centre operational immediately," said the Japan Ambassador to Kenya Tatsushi Terada on a visit to the county.