The Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health At the Ministry of Health, Kenya, our vision for our beloved country reflects a Healthy, Productive and globally-competitive nation!
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Our mandate:Health policy
Health regulation
National referral Health facilities
Capacity building and
Technical assistance to Counties

This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s create spaces where men feel comfortable talking, listening and supporting one ano...
20/06/2026

This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s create spaces where men feel comfortable talking, listening and supporting one another. A simple conversation can make a difference.

Signs and Symptoms Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease can lead to earlier diagnosis and better he...
20/06/2026

Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease can lead to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.
Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain episodes (pain crises)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent infections
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Shortness of breath
• Delayed growth and development in children

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical advice for proper evaluation and care. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
Awareness saves lives. Share this message and help spread the facts about sickle cell disease.

PS Oluga Presides Over Handover of Maternal Health Equipment in SiayaPrincipal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma ...
20/06/2026

PS Oluga Presides Over Handover of Maternal Health Equipment in Siaya

Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, this evening presided over the handover of electric obstetric beds and life-saving maternal health equipment at Madiany Sub-County Hospital in Siaya County under the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) campaign.

The equipment is part of 108 electric obstetric beds and maternal health commodities worth KSh 43 million being distributed to 45 hospitals across 11 priority counties through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Oluga said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes and advancing Universal Health Coverage through equitable access to quality healthcare services, financial risk protection and strengthened primary healthcare systems.

He also highlighted the proposed Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill as a key framework for enhancing standards, accountability, patient safety and continuous quality improvement across health facilities, urging healthcare institutions to embrace quality assurance measures that support safe, effective and people-centred care.

The Principal Secretary further underscored the importance of economic empowerment in supporting health financing reforms, noting that stable household incomes enable families to consistently contribute to the Social Health Authority and maintain access to healthcare services when needed.

The equipment is expected to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide quality maternal and newborn care, contributing to efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Siaya County.

Present were the Siaya County Chief Officer for Health, representatives from the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), Ministry of Health officials from Bondo Sub-County, and the management of Madiany Sub-County Hospital.

Kenya Strengthens Sickle Cell Disease Care Through Taifa Care ReformsPrincipal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma O...
20/06/2026

Kenya Strengthens Sickle Cell Disease Care Through Taifa Care Reforms

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care for people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), saying ongoing Taifa Care reforms are strengthening access to quality healthcare across the country.

Speaking during the national commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day 2026 at Bunyala TVET College in Budalangi, Busia County, Dr. Oluga said this year’s theme, “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda by promoting equitable access to lifesaving services.

He noted that the four pillars of Taifa Care health financing, primary healthcare, digital health and health products and technologies are supporting improved care for SCD patients. As of 8 June 2026, 31.39 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority, with 9.01 million accessing services through the Primary Health Care Fund and 4.4 million through the Social Health Insurance Fund.

Dr. Oluga said primary healthcare and digital health reforms are enhancing early diagnosis, continuity of care and disease surveillance, while plans are underway to establish a National Sickle Cell Disease Registry to improve planning and patient outcomes.

He observed that an estimated 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually in Kenya, particularly in 17 high-burden counties, and stressed the importance of early diagnosis to reduce preventable deaths among affected children.

The Ministry has developed key policy frameworks to strengthen SCD prevention and management, while more than 7,000 infants have been screened and linked to care through Ministry-led and partner-supported programmes. In addition, over 800 healthcare workers, 700 Community Health Promoters and 215 Sickle Cell Champions have been trained to support service delivery and community awareness.

To improve access to specialised care, Dr. Oluga said the SHA benefit package now includes Red Blood Cell Exchange transfusion support of up to KES 70,000 annually for eligible patients. He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines, diagnostics, hydroxyurea and safe blood products.

The Principal Secretary welcomed the launch of the IMARA Care Framework, a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies aimed at expanding access to safe blood and advanced transfusion services for people living with SCD.

He also commended Busia County for being among the first counties selected for the expansion of the PEN-Plus programme beyond the pilot phase, demonstrating the potential for decentralised specialised care.

The event brought together national and county government leaders, development partners, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and community representatives to advance awareness and action on sickle cell disease care and prevention.

A new chapter in cancer care has begun in Kilifi.The commissioning of the first-ever Kilifi Cancer Centre at Kilifi Coun...
19/06/2026

A new chapter in cancer care has begun in Kilifi.

The commissioning of the first-ever Kilifi Cancer Centre at Kilifi County Referral Hospital brings specialised cancer treatment services closer to patients and families, reducing the need for long-distance travel in search of care.

The Centre marks a significant step towards expanding access to timely diagnosis, chemotherapy services and comprehensive cancer care, offering renewed hope to residents of Kilifi and the wider coastal region. It also lays the foundation for the hospital’s transformation into a Centre of Excellence for Cancer Care through future investments in radiotherapy and advanced diagnostic services.

This milestone demonstrates the impact of strong partnerships in strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring that quality cancer care is accessible to those who need it most.

Have you registered for the Kenya Public Health International Conference (KEPHIC) 2026?Join public health professionals,...
19/06/2026

Have you registered for the Kenya Public Health International Conference (KEPHIC) 2026?

Join public health professionals, researchers, policymakers, development partners and innovators as they come together to shape the future of health and advance Universal Health Coverage.

📅 26–29 October 2026
📍 KICC, Nairobi

Register today: kephic.publichealth.go.ke

What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and functio...
19/06/2026

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, the cells become hard, sticky, and sickle-shaped, making it difficult for blood to flow freely through the body. This can lead to severe pain, infections, anemia, and other serious health complications.
As we count down to World Sickle Cell Day, join us in raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis, advocating for quality healthcare, and celebrating the resilience of individuals and families living with sickle cell disease.
Together, we can create a future where everyone affected by SCD has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Strengthening Hope for Families Living with Sickle Cell DiseaseFor thousands of Kenyan families living with Sickle Cell ...
19/06/2026

Strengthening Hope for Families Living with Sickle Cell Disease

For thousands of Kenyan families living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), access to timely diagnosis and quality treatment can mean the difference between a life limited by illness and one filled with opportunity.

As the country marked World Sickle Cell Day, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga received a delegation from Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), led by Vice President Dr. Sylvain Lacomble, to discuss practical solutions aimed at improving the lives of people affected by the condition.

The discussions centred on strengthening Kenya’s response to Sickle Cell Disease through better access to early diagnosis, treatment and long-term care. Particular attention was given to expanding newborn screening programmes, improving healthcare worker capacity, increasing access to essential treatment and advancing the establishment of a National Sickle Cell Disease Registry to support evidence-based planning and better patient outcomes.

Guided by the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day theme, “Close the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” the meeting highlighted the need to ensure that every child born with SCD, regardless of where they live, has an equal opportunity to receive quality care and live a healthy, productive life.

Dr. Oluga reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to working with partners to strengthen specialised care services and build a health system that responds to the needs of people living with Sickle Cell Disease. He noted that sustained investment in prevention, early detection, treatment and health workforce development remains critical to improving outcomes for patients and families.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare services and advance Universal Health Coverage by ensuring that no Kenyan living with Sickle Cell Disease is left behind.

World Sickle Cell DayToday, we stand in solidarity with millions of individuals and families affected by sickle cell dis...
19/06/2026

World Sickle Cell Day

Today, we stand in solidarity with millions of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.

Together, we honor the resilience of warriors, celebrate caregivers, amplify awareness, and renew our commitment to better healthcare, stronger policies, and an end to stigma.

Every voice matters. Every action counts. Together, we can create a future where no one living with sickle cell disease is left behind.

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.A simple conversation can make a difference. Check in on yourself, check in ...
19/06/2026

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

A simple conversation can make a difference. Check in on yourself, check in on a friend, and remember—it’s okay to ask for help.

Your mental health matters. You are not alone.

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