Tackling National Health Crises: The Role of the Private Sector in Kenya

It’s easy to think that addressing national health crises should be solely the government’s responsibility. However, the involvement of the private sector can make a significant difference in a country with inequitable resource distribution – issues recognized in the government’s 2017 Health Sector Strategic and Investment Plan.

Protecting your staff from the country’s biggest health threats makes good business sense. It not only results in a healthier, more productive workforce but also helps keep health insurance costs low, attract high-caliber staff, and foster employee loyalty.

Let’s take a look at the top five health challenges affecting Kenyans today – and how you can look after your workforce.

The Current Health Picture

Over the 1990s, life expectancy in Kenya plummeted due to the impact of HIV. Thankfully, the situation has improved, with the average age of death now higher than in 1990. However, Kenya has fallen further behind the global average, with women dying nearly seven years earlier at 67 and men nearly six years earlier at 63.

According to the latest official figures from 2013, HIV remains the leading cause of both health loss and death in Kenya. The top five causes are HIV, lower respiratory infections (LRIs), diarrhoea, tuberculosis (TB), and stroke. Here we’ll explore why these health problems are prevalent, what’s being done to improve the situation, and how your company can make a difference.

HIV/AIDS

The first case of HIV in Kenya was diagnosed in 1984, and by the mid-1990s, it had become a leading cause of death. Unlike in some countries where HIV has mostly affected certain demographics, in Kenya, the impact has been widespread, with more women affected than men.

Kenya’s AIDS epidemic peaked in 2005. By 2013, HIV-related deaths had more than halved, thanks to early-stage diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment. Antiretroviral drugs have also significantly reduced the number of babies born with HIV.

However, recent figures show that 146,700 new HIV cases were detected in 2014, compared with 60,000 in 2005. It’s estimated that 1.6 million people live with HIV in Kenya today.

Lower Respiratory Infections and Diarrhoea

In 1990, diarrhoeal diseases were the top cause of health loss in Kenya. By 2013, they had dropped to third place behind LRIs and HIV/AIDS. Health loss due to diarrhoeal diseases and LRIs, such as pneumonia, has fallen nearly 50% since the 1990s, though they remain significant causes of illness and death among children under five.

Poor nutrition and household air quality contribute to respiratory infections in young children, while poor hygiene and dirty water cause diarrhoea. Remote areas’ inadequate health facilities exacerbate these issues, with only around one nurse per 1,000 people, particularly in rural regions.

Tuberculosis (TB)

TB, a highly contagious bacterial disease, became more common during the 1990s as HIV made more people vulnerable to infection. A national TB strategy increased detection and treatment efforts, reducing deaths by nearly 40% between 2000 and 2013.

Despite these efforts, a 2015 national survey indicated that the actual number of new TB infections was much higher than the diagnosed cases. Since 2015, HIV patients in Kenya have routinely been prescribed the TB-fighting antibiotic isoniazid to prevent its onset.

Stroke

Strokes, categorized as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are becoming increasingly prevalent in developing countries due to the reduced impact of infectious diseases and a rise in unhealthy lifestyle habits. Kenya’s growing NCD burden highlights the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Other Important Health Issues

The death rate for newborns remains relatively high and is declining slowly. However, the death rate for children aged one to five has sharply declined since 2000, mainly due to progress in tackling malaria and HIV.

Taking a Proactive Approach to Your Employees’ Health

Here are a few ideas to consider:

Provide Staff and Families with Private Medical Insurance

Offering private medical insurance for staff and their families ensures a healthier workforce and reduces absenteeism. This investment can secure employee loyalty and attract top talent.

Consider Providing Maternity Cover

Good pre- and post-natal care can significantly impact the health of pregnant women and their babies. Offering maternity cover can help you stand out as a supportive employer, attracting and retaining top talent.

Encourage HIV Testing

Offering voluntary, confidential HIV testing and support can help manage stigma and ensure early treatment for affected employees, maintaining their health and productivity.

Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Implementing workplace wellness programs can encourage healthier habits, reducing the risk of NCDs and improving overall employee well-being.

Offer Health Talks

Inviting health professionals to educate staff on various health issues can promote better health practices and keep employees and their families healthy.

Support Innovative Health Initiatives

Consider supporting health initiatives through donations or investments, demonstrating corporate social responsibility and enhancing your company’s reputation among customers and employees