Nairobi: 28th March 2025
Nairobi County Health Medical Services Sub sector has taken a step toward combating the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Health stakeholders today launched a County-Level Multi-Sectoral NCD Technical Working Group (TWG) to enhance the prevention and control of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and sickle cell disease. The initiative aims to institutionalize NCD activities across different sectors at the county level and support the establishment of NCD risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) in Nairobi.
The TWG, comprising representatives from the County Health Services, County Trade and Industry, Transport and Mobility, Agriculture and Livestock, and Social Services sub-sectors, medical experts, persons with lived experiences, and key development partners, will play a crucial role in strengthening policy implementation, enhancing community outreach, and ensuring sustainable resource allocation for NCD prevention and management.
Speaking at the launch, County Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr. Irene Muchoki, emphasized the urgency of addressing NCDs at the grassroots level. “The increasing cases of diabetes, hypertension, and other NCDs are a wake-up call for us to act decisively. Through this Technical Working Group, we are fostering collaboration that will ensure stronger institutional frameworks, better resource mobilization, and improved service delivery at the county level.”
Dr. Ngunu, Director of Preventive and Promotive Services, and a leading advocate for public health interventions, reiterated the importance of multi-sectoral engagement in tackling NCDs. “The formation of this TWG marks a turning point in how we approach NCD prevention. By bringing together expertise from different sectors, we can create sustainable interventions that will significantly reduce the disease burden in our communities.”
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Victor Kibe, Head Division of NCDs, highlighted the need for evidence-based policies and community-centered approaches. “Our focus should be on early screening, timely treatment, and public awareness. With a well-structured TWG, we can ensure that NCD prevention and control strategies are effectively integrated into county health systems.”
The County Head of the NCD Unit, Martha Chege, noted that this initiative aligns with national efforts to decentralize health services. “We are committed to ensuring that the County have the technical capacity and institutional support needed to combat NCDs. This TWG will serve as a model for others looking to strengthen their response to these diseases.”
Partners from the Kenya Red Cross and Plan International, who have been instrumental in funding and supporting health interventions, welcomed the initiative.
The Nairobi County Coordinator from Kenya Red Cross, Hezron Nambiro, noted, “Non-communicable diseases are a growing crisis, and we are dedicated to working with county governments to build resilient health systems that can effectively respond to this challenge.”
Program Manager from Plan International Young Health Program, Charles Muriu, reaffirmed their commitment: “Sustainable health interventions require strong collaborations. We are proud to support this TWG, knowing that it will lead to tangible improvements in NCD prevention and management at the county level.”
The newly established multi-sectoral TWG will focus on policy development, capacity building, public education campaigns, and data-driven decision-making. Moving forward, the group aims to advocate for sector-specific action plans that align with national health priorities and global NCD prevention strategies.
With this initiative, the county is setting a precedence for a structured, collaborative, and proactive approach to addressing the NCD crisis, ensuring better health outcomes for the community.
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