Prioritise preventive healthcare to reduce diseases, state told

Public health officers have appealed to the government to prioritise preventive and promotive health services to reduce the disease burden.

The secretary general of the Public Health Officers Association of Kenya Mohamed Duba has expressed concerns over the failure by the President to mention preventive health functions in his executive order issued two days ago on the organisation of his government.

President William Ruto, Duba explained, mentioned other health functions such as cancer, curative health and Hiv/Aids and forewent preventive and promotive services.

This, he said, is concerning as more than 85 per cent of diseases in the country can be prevented at the community level through health education and promotive measures.

Despite the high number of health facilities in the country, Duba said the rate of morbidity continues to soar as the government does not focus on disease prevention

He gave the example of the Covid-19 pandemic whose indicators changed after the government enforced strict hygiene measures.

Preventive and promotive health services, Duba noted, are under the department of environmental health which has more than 5,000 workers undertaking that function countrywide.

“This very vital function was left out of the executive order and as a fraternity, we are wondering whether it is going to be phased out," he said.

"Are we going to be the first country not to prioritise the prevention of diseases yet we always say prevention is better than cure?

“We are appealing to the President, you are our savior. Please reinstate that function back to the Ministry of Health. We are appealing to you as a fraternity and we know you will hear us."

Duba spoke during the global hand-washing day celebrations held at Kaharati Primary School in Murang'a county on Friday.

He noted that globally, more than 1.3 million children die every year from preventable diseases.

He underscored the need for the government to work together with partners to ensure all schools are connected to clean water to boost hygiene standards saying children are more vulnerable to diseases.

He also called on Kenyans to ensure they continue washing their hands which he said contain millions of germs that can compromise their health.

“Let us follow hand-washing religiously and create awareness at religious centres and ensure it is adhered to by all communities,” he said.

During the event, pupils were taken through proper hand-washing techniques and enlightened on the need to keep their hands clean.

County director of Public Health reiterated that hygiene-related diseases such as diarrhea significantly reduced during the Covid-19 pandemic due to hand washing.

“It should not be stopped. Let us make it part of our culture because it has proven to have major health benefits,” she said.

Kaharati Primary School headteacher Florence Kuria said despite her school not having tap water, she made sure that there are hand-washing points all over the school for pupils to wash their hands.

“I will continue to ensure they wash their hands because I have seen its impact since I was transferred to this school six years ago,” Kuria said.

(Edited by Tabnacha O)