MOMBASA – In a pivotal move aimed at bolstering healthcare across the region, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, has called for the harmonization of training and regulation of healthcare workers in East Africa. Speaking at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa on January 6, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the East African Workshop on Harmonization of Regulation for Healthcare Workers, Dr. Barasa urged stakeholders to embrace this initiative to strengthen health systems and improve services.
The workshop, attended by health regulatory bodies, representatives from WHO Kenya, and AMREF Health Africa, tackled one of the region’s most pressing challenges: the need for a highly skilled, mobile, and competent healthcare workforce.
“Harmonizing education and training standards for healthcare professionals will not only ensure common competencies across the region but also enhance workforce mobility and credibility,” said Dr. Barasa.
Bridging Gaps in Training and Regulation
Dr. Barasa stressed the importance of standardized training programs, particularly internships, to help graduates transition smoothly from academic learning to practical expertise. These programs, she noted, are vital for preparing healthcare workers to address emerging health challenges in a rapidly changing world.
Kenya, she said, is committed to resource mobilization and dialogue to support this initiative and integrate it into national frameworks. “This is not just about standardization—it is about shaping the future of healthcare in East Africa,” she remarked.
The Cabinet Secretary also called for the expedited regulation of unregulated professionals, emphasizing the role of regulatory bodies in maintaining ethical standards and ensuring patient safety. “By addressing gaps in certification and oversight, we can achieve excellence in healthcare delivery,” she noted.
Workforce Mobility and Collaboration
At the heart of the harmonization effort is the goal of enabling healthcare professionals to work seamlessly across borders. The initiative aims to alleviate workforce shortages while fostering collaboration among universities, colleges, and training institutions.
“This harmonization promotes the sharing of expertise and resources, building a more resilient healthcare system for the region,” Dr. Barasa said, adding that clear inspection mechanisms would ensure institutions meet high standards.
A Shared Vision for East Africa
The workshop also explored strategies for aligning public health curricula with global best practices. Dr. Barasa commended the forum for its comprehensive recommendations, which included capacity-building programs, regulatory reforms, and strategic resource mobilization.
She urged governments to act swiftly, translating these recommendations into tangible outcomes. “Let us prioritize these efforts to drive systemic transformation in healthcare across East Africa,” she said.
As delegates concluded the workshop, there was a shared sense of optimism about the region’s ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. With collaboration at its core, this harmonization initiative is set to pave the way for a robust healthcare framework that serves all East Africans.
