Microsoft Word 02Preface doc

5.2.2
 
Communicable Diseases Control by the MOH   
(1)
 
Development Plans in the Health Sector   
Kenya built a health system in the early stages that is comparable to those of 
neighbouring countries, and provided relatively stable medical services.  However, 
funding sources for health services have seen shortfalls due to the rapid increase in the 
population and the spread of AIDS in the 1990s.  Thus, the poverty gap also 
expanded with the deterioration in economic conditions. The Interim Poverty 
Reduction Strategy Paper (IPRSP) 2000 – 2003, which was drawn up by the GOK, 

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determined that the control of HIV/AIDS is central to an effective poverty reduction 
strategy.  The GOK has declared AIDS a National Disaster.  Consistent with this, 
the MOH proposed the implementation of HIV/AIDS control activities to achieve the 
objectives of preventing the transmission of HIV among the population with the focus 
on the most vulnerable groups.    On the basis of the IPRSP, the MOH has drawn up 
the National Health Sector Strategic Plan 1999-2004, which aims to reform the health 
system through decentralization.    In the Health Sector Strategic Plan 1999-2004, the 
national targets related to infectious diseases control are described as follows; 
 
¾
 
Reduce measles morbidity by 95% and mortality by 90%. 
¾
 
Reduce the incidence of neonatal tetanus to less than 1/1,000 live births with a 
100% reporting rate. 
¾
 
To eradicate poliomyelitis by the year 2000 and certification by 2005. 
¾
 
Reduce malaria morbidity and mortality rates by 30%. 
¾
 
Reduce the HIV prevalence rate from the current 13-14% by 10% and STD 
prevalence by 50%. 
¾
 
Reduce under-5 morbidity and mortality attributable to measles, pneumonia, 
diarrhoea, malaria, and malnutrition from 70% to 40%. 
 
To tackle these targets, the service delivery consists of national priority packages that 
are ranked by data on the burden of the disease, cost-effectiveness of the interventions, 
the impact of interventions and health outcomes in relation to health expenditures.  
Six high priority packages are mostly related to infectious diseases control and concern 
morbidity and mortality among those under 5 years old (see Table 5.4).