PS Oluga pushes agencies to accelerate delivery of health emergency plan

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga has directed agencies implementing the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) Project to accelerate the delivery of priority activities and strengthen accountability measures to ensure the programme achieves its intended objectives.

Speaking during the Third World Bank Implementation Support Mission for the HEPRR Project in Nairobi, Oluga said the focus must now shift towards translating project investments into tangible outcomes that enhance the country's ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies.

The PS noted that while progress had been recorded in various components of the project, greater emphasis was needed on implementation and the achievement of measurable results.

“Significant progress has been made, but greater focus is needed on implementation and delivery of measurable outcomes,” Oluga said.

He emphasised that the success of the project would ultimately be judged by its impact on strengthening Kenya's health security systems and improving preparedness for future emergencies.

The Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Project is supported by the World Bank and is designed to strengthen the country's capacity to respond to public health threats while building resilient health systems.

Oluga urged implementing agencies to work closely together in resolving operational challenges that could slow down implementation.

Among the issues highlighted were procurement processes, technical requirements and consultant engagements, which he said should be addressed promptly to avoid delays.

He stressed that timely execution of project activities remains critical if the programme is to meet its targets within the planned timelines.

The Principal Secretary also called for prudent management of project resources, noting that development financing should generate lasting value and meaningful benefits for citizens.

“Development financing must deliver value for money, sustainable impact and long-term benefits for citizens,” he said.

Oluga reaffirmed the government's commitment to strategic investments aimed at strengthening health security, boosting local manufacturing capacity and enhancing the resilience of the healthcare system.

He noted that strong health systems are essential in ensuring the country can effectively respond to future disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

The implementation support mission brought together officials from the World Bank, the HEPRR Project Coordination Team and representatives from key institutions involved in project implementation.

The meeting reviewed progress made so far, assessed challenges affecting implementation and explored measures that could improve overall performance and delivery.

Among the agencies represented were the Kenya BioVax Institute, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, the National Quality Control Laboratory and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

Participants also discussed strategies for enhancing coordination among implementing institutions and ensuring that project activities remain aligned with national health priorities.

The HEPRR Project is one of the government's flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening preparedness and response systems while improving the country's capacity to handle future health emergencies.

Also present during the meeting were HEPRR Project Coordinator Peter Cherutich and World Bank Kenya Task Team Lead Dr Bernard Olayo, alongside members of the World Bank Mission Team and senior officials from the implementing agencies.