Transform Health Coalition Kenya hosted a Strategic Planning workshop from the 22nd to the 24th April 2024 in Nairobi convened by the Coalition Coordinator, KELIN. In the spirit of collaboration, the workshop was attended by Coalition Members, The Ministry of Health, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, The County Governments of Kitui, Taraka Nithi and Kisumu respectively.
The workshop provided a platform for Coalition Implementing Partners such as KELIN, KEHIA, PHDA, Youth Alive!, White Ribbon Alliance, Africa Media Trust, and KP Consortium to showcase their achievements over the past two years(Phase I). Notable accomplishments included the development and enactment of the Digital Health Act 2023, the development of the Health Data Governance Framework, and the formulation of Telemedicine Guidelines. Collaborative efforts between the coalition members with government bodies and private sectors were also highlighted.
Looking ahead, participants engaged in forward-thinking discussions to outline the coalition’s priorities for Phase II of implementation. Members emphasized the continued relevance of the coalition’s initial objectives, including creating an enabling legal environment for realizing digital health, increasing the adoption of digital health technologies and resources directed at digital health. There was also focus on implementing the Digital Health Act 2023 and scaling up the county pilot in Kisumu on county-specific laws on digital health to other regions.
An intriguing question posed to participants, that is, ‘Are you in bed with, on the table with or in the streets with decision-makers when it comes to Digital Health?’ provided a resounding reminder of the power of partnerships and multistakeholder approach to human rights advocacy.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner committed to collaborate with other stakeholders on raising awareness about the Data Protection Act, 2023. Coalition members further pledged active participation in coalition activities and the integration of digital health into their respective programs. The importance of employing multiple advocacy strategies over a singular, isolated approach was underscored for achieving optimal outcomes.
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For more information, please contact.
Pauline Omoto
Program Associate
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Kuwinda Lane, Karen C, off Langáta Road
Email: paulineomoto@kelinkenya.org
