KENYA – Kenya’s healthcare system faces persistent challenges, including inequitable access, inadequate infrastructure, and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
Nairobi, as the nation’s capital and a hub for East Africa, is uniquely positioned to spearhead reforms that can ripple across the region.
Recognizing this, the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) is organizing its first-ever Health Scientific Conference, a milestone event that will bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart a new course for primary healthcare.
The conference, set for 20th to 22nd November 2024 at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi, aims to address these challenges under the theme: “Advancing Health Equity – Toward Resilient and Sustainable People-Centered Primary Healthcare Systems for Nairobi.”
Transforming healthcare through collaboration
This event comes at a critical time when Nairobi is grappling with the dual burden of an increasing population and escalating healthcare demands.
The conference will focus on advancing health equity, exploring innovative solutions to ensure that all individuals, irrespective of their socio-economic or geographic circumstances, have access to quality healthcare.
It also seeks to build resilient, people-centered healthcare systems that prioritize compassion, empathy, and responsiveness to patient needs.
Additionally, the conference will emphasize sustainability in healthcare, exploring environmental considerations, resource management, and long-term viability to ensure continuous service delivery in the face of mounting challenges.
The inaugural conference will serve as a platform for participants to share knowledge, research findings, and best practices.
It is expected to foster collaboration among stakeholders, driving efforts to create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient healthcare system, not only for Nairobi but also for Kenya and the broader East African region.
Addressing critical issues with targeted sub-themes
The conference will delve into six sub-themes, each focusing on key challenges and opportunities in healthcare:
- Strengthening Primary Healthcare Systems to improve accessibility, affordability, and quality of services.
- Climate Change and Health to tackle the intersection of environmental and health crises, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
- Global Health Security to address emerging threats, including pandemics and other public health emergencies.
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health to curb the rising tide of chronic illnesses and address the often-overlooked mental health crisis.
- Fostering Innovation and Use of Technology in Health, focusing on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Machine Learning in improving diagnostics, treatment, and healthcare delivery.
- Health Policy and Governance to create frameworks that support equitable and efficient healthcare systems.
Significance for Nairobi, Kenya, and the region
The conference is not just a landmark event for Nairobi but a significant opportunity for Kenya to showcase its commitment to healthcare reform and innovation. It also holds regional importance, with implications for health systems across East Africa.
As Nairobi serves as a regional hub for trade, innovation, and healthcare services, the lessons learned and strategies developed during the conference could influence policies and practices beyond Kenya’s borders.
By focusing on health equity, the event aligns with global priorities, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
The conference underscores Nairobi’s potential to lead in addressing pressing healthcare challenges and building sustainable systems that can adapt to future demands.
A call for participation
The Nairobi City County Government invites stakeholders to submit abstracts showcasing their research, innovations, and strategies.
This platform provides a unique opportunity to engage with peers, exchange insights, and contribute to shaping the future of primary healthcare in Nairobi and beyond.
The 1st Health Scientific Conference represents a bold step toward addressing the pressing healthcare challenges faced by Nairobi and the wider region.
With a focus on equity, resilience, and sustainability, the conference promises to set the stage for transformative change in primary healthcare.
Stakeholders from across sectors are encouraged to participate in this historic event, which seeks to lay the groundwork for healthier, more sustainable communities.
For more details on registration, abstract submissions, and participation, visit the Nairobi City County Government website or contact the conference organizers.