This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya finds itself at a critical juncture in its post-independent history. The country's response to the crisis has been led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Ministry of Health, and other public agencies, who have emphasized the importance of preventive measures such as maintaining high standards of hygiene.
However, despite these efforts, the pandemic has highlighted the need for a more sustainable approach to public health education. Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including access to healthcare services. The Ministry of Health's mission is to build a progressive, responsive, and sustainable healthcare system for all Kenyans.
Yet, as Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has pointed out, Kenyans have not been observing the preventive measures against COVID-19, with impunity rearing its ugly head. The country's collective national culture and behavior are majorly to blame for this lack of compliance.
One way to address this challenge is to introduce mandatory health education lessons in all primary, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions. This would help inculcate a culture of personal and public hygiene in all young people, empowering them with modern health education tips to fight not just COVID-19 but also future pandemics.
As the present generation of leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children are equipped with the right health education tools to survive and thrive in tomorrow's economy. A wise man once said, 'If you want to plan for one year, plant a seed; if you want to plan for five to ten years, plant a seedling; but if you want to plan for fifty to a hundred years, teach the people!' Let us prioritize health education for our children as we prepare them to drive our country's future growth.
