Country report. Kenya.

Abstract

Kenya has an estimated population of 27 million GNP per capita of US$300 and life expectancy of 54 years. Levels of mortality have declined in the country since it became independent in 1963 but Kenya still claims one of the highest rates of population growth in the world. The high population growth rate has affected the general socioeconomic status of the country. Malaria acute respiratory infections diarrhea and AIDS are the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. An inequitable and partial distribution of health services lack of adequate public information and education about health underfunding in key areas of promotive and preventive health services mismanagement of public health services public sector budgetary constraints in the financing of health facility and service expansion shortages of drugs and vaccines and a high infant mortality rate are other factors which affect the populations health status. National health policy is to increase the emphasis upon maternal and child health and family planning services increase health service coverage and accessibility in rural areas further consolidate urban and rural curative and preventive/promotive services and reduce the population growth rate to 3.0% by 1994. Central strategy is to strengthen community-based health care as a basic component of primary health care in which community participation in environmental health activities and the prevention of disease are the major foci as contained in national policies and goals. Nongovernmental organizations (NGO) will launch health initiatives and there will be AIDS programs. Closer collaboration with NGOs has also strengthened the foci with health promotion programs targeted at specific community groups. Networks such as Kenyas Health Education Network bring together professionals involved in health promotion to share experiences and expertise.