Ministry of Health, Kenya and VSO co-host a timely and relevant regional conference on Universal Health Coverage
MAIN DISCUSSION: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on health and wellbeing (GRAPHIC/ VSO)
NAIROBI, KENYA: The Kenyan Ministry of Health, in collaboration with VSO and other stakeholders, is set to host a regional conference on advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in East Africa. The two-day event, scheduled for March 18-19, 2025, at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, will focus on health promotion, inclusivity, and intersectionality to ensure that no one is left behind in healthcare access.
The conference will bring together policymakers, healthcare professionals, civil society representatives, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to discuss strategies for achieving equitable healthcare. The Kenyan government has prioritised Universal Health Coverage as a key policy objective, emphasising health promotion as a means of ensuring every citizen can access quality, affordable, and acceptable healthcare services. However, systemic barriers continue to hinder access for vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities.
A key focus of the conference will be embedding intersectionality into health policies to ensure inclusive healthcare solutions. Experts and stakeholders will engage in discussions and collaborations aimed at developing practical strategies that enhance the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare services. The event will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and multi-sector partnerships, with a strong emphasis on health equity. Participants will engage in panel discussions, case study presentations, and interactive workshops addressing critical challenges in healthcare.
The discussions will encompass a variety of themes, such as integrating social determinants of health into Universal Health Coverage (UHC), enhancing resilience in health systems to address climate-related risks, utilising community-driven innovations for health equity, strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships, and ensuring inclusive health financing and accountability. Furthermore, the conference will emphasise the importance of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) for everyone, particularly for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence.
VSO, an international NGO known for its work in social change through volunteering, is central to this initiative. The organization has collaborated with the Kenyan Ministry of Health on health promotion policies, advocacy, and communication materials to improve healthcare access for marginalized groups. VSO emphasizes that an intersectional approach—one that acknowledges the diverse factors affecting healthcare access—can significantly enhance health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The anticipated outcomes of the conference include enhanced alignment between health policies and community-level initiatives, stronger collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, private sector participants, and community leaders, as well as a greater adoption of intersectional frameworks that enhance healthcare accessibility and quality.
As the region works to strengthen its healthcare systems, the Regional Health Promotion Conference 2025 presents an opportunity for stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to equitable healthcare. The Ministry of Health and VSO are inviting partners from various sectors to collaborate and contribute to the success of the event, ensuring that its outcomes translate into meaningful policy and programmatic action.
For more information on participation, sponsorship, and registration, visit the official conference website. If you are interested in speaking at the event, you can submit proposals and profiles to hpconference2025@health.go.ke
