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Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015

C ommo nwe a l t h memb e r c o u n t r i e s For Kenya to achieve its targets for the reduction of child mortality, which form MDG 4, it should have reduced under-five deaths per 1,000 live births to 33 and increased measles immunisation to 100 per cent when the 2015 data is analysed. In 2013 under-five mortality stood at 71 deaths per 1,000 live births and measles immunisation at 93 per cent, which suggests that Kenya is unlikely to meet this goal. The global MDG 5 target for maternal health is to reduce the number of women who die in pregnancy and childbirth by threequarters between 1990 and 2015. For Kenya, therefore, maternal mortality should fall to 100 cases per 100,000 live births. In 2013 Kenya had an adjusted maternal mortality ratio of 400 deaths per 100,000 live births (this figure was estimated at 360 deaths per 100,000 by UN agencies/World Bank in 2010) – four times the target. It is therefore very unlikely that Kenya will achieve this goal. Part of the goal also stipulates that 100 per cent of births must be attended by a skilled health professional. In 2009 this figure stood at 44 per cent, with more recent data unavailable. MDG 6 aims for a reduction in the prevalence of HIV, malaria and other diseases. HIV prevalence in Kenya is high and there has been little significant reduction since 2005. Kenya continues to have a high level of tuberculosis (TB) incidence and mortality (when mortality data excludes cases comorbid with HIV), although confirmed deaths from malaria have fallen significantly. Kenya is unlikely to meet its MDG 6 goals. For definitions, sources and explanations on the Millennium Development Goals see page 314. Universal health coverage Only a third of health care in Kenya (38 per cent) was government funded in 2012. The remaining 62 per cent was paid for by patients or funded by other non-governmental entities, such as private insurers, charities or employers. Total health expenditure constituted 4.7 per cent of GDP in 2012. Expenditure by government amounts to just US$17 per capita. In 2014 a new collaborative strategy aiming to provide health insurance for the poorest families of Kenya began its first phase. The Kenyan government hopes that its successful implementation can provide subsidies for inpatient and outpatient health care for those in need across the country. The World Bank has lent support in the form of US$20 million. The Kenya Health Policy 2012–30 aims to attain a consistently high standard of health care service that responds to the specific needs of the Kenyan population. Kenya was not an original signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, but acceded to it in 1972 and has written the covenant into law. It includes ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. The covenant commits signees to providing healthy and hygienic environmental conditions, controlling epidemic diseases, improving child health and facilitating access to health services without discrimination. Care of the elderly: Around 1.1 million people in Kenya are over the age of 65 – three per cent of the total population (2013). At the age of 60 a person living in Kenya can be expected to live for an additional 18 years, on average (2013). Kenya’s Older Persons Cash Transfer Scheme dates back to 2006. Monthly pension credits are paid by the state at a rate of US$23 per person (2007–12) on a means-tested basis. Overall, public pension spending is equivalent to 1.3 per cent of the country’s total economic output (2012). Non-governmental organisation HelpAge International has urged the Kenyan government to adopt a policy aiming to promote and protect the rights of the elderly and give a greater priority to issues relating to older people. The government is, however, promoting education for older people. In 2003 the government brought in free primary school education for people of any age. Kimani Maruge, 84, has since made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest man to begin at primary school. Kenya has also begun to see retirement homes opening, mainly run by charities, but with a few operating on commercial lines. Nyumba ya Wazee, or ‘house of the old people’, for example, is based in Nairobi. The facility is run by the Catholic organisation Little Sisters of the Poor, which is funded by donations from the public. Further information Ministry of Health: www.health.go.ke Commonwealth Health Online: www.commonwealthhealth.org/health/africa/kenya 192 Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 Population over 65 3%


Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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