East African states draft regional health policy

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Mental Health
Mental Health

Health experts and officials from the East African countries are gathering in the Ugandan capital Kampala to conclude the formation of a regional health policy. wpid-mental-health.jpg
Jessica Eriyo, East African Community Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors told reporters here on Monday that the policy will among others harmonize the health policies of the member states which include Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.
“It is in a draft form and it is looking at health structuring, harmonization of national policies among others,” Eriyo said, noting that the permanent secretaries of the ministries of health are discussing it before forwarding to the ministers for approval.
When in place, the policy will lead to the formation of centers of excellence in each member country. According to the plan, Uganda will be the center of excellence in treating Cancer, Kenya will be charged with issues of Urology, Burundi will be for nutrition and Rwanda for health systems.
“We will build capacities in those countries so that we have referrals,” she said.
She also added that health facilities will be established along major transport corridors in the region to treat East Africans.
The policy will also come up with strategies of funding the health sector in the region in view of the dwindling funding from donor countries.
The experts are gathering to attend the Fifth Annual East African Health and Scientific Conference and International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair. The three day meeting scheduled to start on March 25 will be held under the theme, ‘Investing in Health through Strengthening Regional Health Systems and Institutions towards the Prevention and Control of Communicable and Non Communicable Diseases’.
Among the sub themes of the conference is health systems strengthening, integrated approaches for disease prevention, control and management, social determinants of health and diseases and conditions of public health importance. Enditem

Source: Xinhua

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