11 February 2014, Nairobi -- Kenya’s first National Health Promotion Strategy and Guiding frameworks were officially launched today. The Launch, which marked a major milestone in the country was held in a well- attended and colourful ceremony in Nairobi and was graced by the Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Health, Mr James Macharia.

Also launched on this day were the National Standards and Guidelines for Health Promotion and the National Health Communication Guidelines. The ceremony was attended by other dignitaries, including the Principal Secretary of Health, Prof. Fred Sigor and other senior MOH officers; County Health Executives and Directors; WHO Country Representative, Dr Custodia Mandlhate and other UN representatives.

Other government sectors, private institutions and media members were also present at the launch.

In his key remarks, the CS congratulated the Health Promotion Unit (HPU) for the completion of the key documents and thanked all partners and stakeholders involved in the process. Mr Macharia, highlighted HPU’s vision, which is to become a centre of excellence in health communication and marketing within the Ministry of Health by the year 2015.

The CS went on to describe recent health promotion achievements, which include: strengthened technical capacities of health promotion officers across the country, development of policy guiding frameworks for health promotion and the development of a health promotion website. The CS pledged his support in the completion of the health promotion officer’s scheme of service, which would provide a defined structure for the deployment and involvement of health Promotion officers at all levels.

The Cabinet Secretary called upon other sectors to mainstream and promote health and to formulate policies which will impact on the health of individuals, families and communities.

He appealed for partners continued support in implantation of set out strategies and interventions, and urged all to utilize the existing sharing platforms including the launched website.

Finally, Mr Macharia, pledged his ministries support and commitment to work with stakeholders including other government sectors.

Representing the UN family at the occasion was the WHO Kenya Country Office Representative, Dr Custodia Mandlhate. Dr Mandlhate who delivered the remarks on behalf of the UN in Kenya, commend the Ministry’s stewardship, leadership and commitment in developing its guiding frameworks in health promotion. She emphasized the need to invest in health promotion interventions as the country like many others in the region was facing the double burden of disease, with prevention of key health risk factors still a major strategy in tackling both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The WR highlighted the priority interventions and expected outcomes of the health promotion strategy.

The strategy seeks to strengthen the stewardship role and build capacity of national and county governments in implementation of health promotion approaches that address the risk factor and major health determinants; strengthen the capacity of community and enable them to increase control of their health and their determinants; and enhance coordination and collaboration of partners for effective multi-sectoral action, increased synergy and sustainability in health promotion activities. This will promote a comprehensive and participatory approach to the improvement of health and well-being among the people in Kenya.

Dr Custodia stressed on the need for involvement of other sectors in improving the well-being of Kenyans. She urged all stakeholders, including the community, civil society and members of the media to fully support and engage in the implementation of agreed strategies.

Finally the WR, reiterated WHO’s and UN commitment and support to the government in realizing its set health goals and in mainstreaming health promotion.

Others who spoke at the launch include the USAID country director, Ms Kathy Freeman, who pledged the continuous support of the US government in working with the health promotion unit to mainstream health.

The unveiling of the health promotion guiding frameworks and website was followed by presentation of the documents to County Executives present at the launch. The Executives and County health directors underwent a one day sensitization workshop on the health promotion guiding frameworks a day before the launch. This was to prepare them for the roll-out of strategies and interventions in their respective counties.