Dr.Edris N.Omondi(Advocate)
The question is no longer “if” but “when.” Another pandemic could strike at any time, and as a nation, we must urgently examine the state of our preparedness.
The haunting memories of COVID-19 remain etched in the minds of many, but more pressing is whether we have learned anything from the devastating impact it had on our health system and society.
Are we truly ready for the next health crisis?
The agonizing pain that ordinary Kenyans face daily—ranging from chronic diseases to the inability to access basic healthcare—suggests that we are far from prepared.
Every day, my social media feed is filled with stories of suffering.
I see fellow Kenyans, often in remote villages or urban slums, quietly enduring the pain of diseases like cancer, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions.
Many are unable to afford basic treatments such as chemotherapy or dialysis.
The disparity between the health of the wealthy and the common man is striking, and the healthcare system seems to be in an intensive care unit (ICU) itself.
This concern was poignantly highlighted during a recent coffee meeting with a bishop friend of mine, and his wife.
The bishop’s wife, a medic working in a private hospital, expressed her deep frustration over the lack of preparation for another health crisis.
She was angry at the failure of our healthcare system to address the glaring gaps that were exposed by COVID-19.
From the shortage of medical supplies to the underfunding of public health infrastructure, the pandemic revealed the frailty of our healthcare system.
More than that, it showcased how unprepared we were to face a global health emergency.
Kenya lost many lives to COVID-19—I lost five of my close relatives of whom I still mourn their times spent with me.
Others were public figures like Papa Shirandula, whose death resonated deeply with millions of Kenyans.
The emotional toll of these losses was compounded by the sense that, despite the devastation, we did not use the pandemic as an opportunity to critically re-examine and rebuild our healthcare system.
Instead, we relied too heavily on foreign aid and international organizations like USAID, leaving our health policies largely influenced by Western donors rather than by our own domestic needs and realities.
The lessons from COVID-19 are glaring, but have we learned anything?
Have we made meaningful investments in preventive and interventive measures to protect our citizens from future health crises?
The answer, unfortunately, appears to be no.
Too often, our leadership seems to leave things to fate and statistics, rather than taking bold action to ensure the health of the nation.
Sometimes I wonder, whether after university we need another layer to train leaders-a school of leadership!
Agencies such as USAID and other NGOs have provided valuable support, but their dependence on international health frameworks cannot be a substitute for a locally driven, resilient health system.
Take Kisumu County, for instance. As one of the counties hardest hit by the pandemic, Kisumu provides a crucial case study in understanding the gaps and challenges within our health system.
The county’s public health infrastructure struggled to keep up with the demand for care during COVID-19. Hospitals were overwhelmed, medical staff were stretched thin, and the lack of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators put both patients and healthcare workers at significant risk.
But the lessons from Kisumu extend beyond just the pandemic.
The county has long faced challenges related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
The high burden of these diseases, coupled with the lack of sufficient medical facilities and funding, has left many residents in a perpetual state of health insecurity.
For example, the prevalence of cancer in Kisumu, especially among the poor, is alarming. Yet, few can access the necessary diagnostic tools, chemotherapy, or follow-up care due to the exorbitant costs associated with private healthcare.
Public hospitals are often overcrowded and under-resourced, further exacerbating the problem.
What Kisumu reveals about the state of healthcare in Kenya is not just the gaps that exist in our response to pandemics, but also the chronic neglect of life-threatening diseases that are just as pressing.
The government must shift its focus to building a robust healthcare system that is not only prepared for the next pandemic but is also capable of addressing the ongoing health challenges posed by NCDs, malnutrition, and other preventable diseases.
To build a resilient healthcare system, we need to invest in infrastructure, training, and public health education now.
It’s not enough to wait for the next pandemic to strike before we take action.
We must invest in local solutions, enhance the capacity of our healthcare workers, and ensure that we have the resources and policies in place to support communities in need.
We must move away from reliance on foreign aid and develop a sustainable, homegrown health system that prioritizes the well-being of every Kenyan.
International Best Practices for Proactive COVID-19 Prevention Strategies
As Kenya grapples with the lessons of COVID-19, it’s essential to look to countries that successfully implemented proactive strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect public health.
These international best practices offer valuable lessons that could guide Kenya’s preparedness for future pandemics.
New Zealand: Early and Swift Action New Zealand is often cited as one of the best examples of a nation that effectively managed the COVID-19 crisis.
The country’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, took swift action by closing the borders early, implementing strict quarantine protocols, and instituting a nationwide lockdown in March 2020, before the virus had spread extensively.
The government’s clear communication, coupled with its decisive actions, helped to contain the virus within weeks.
New Zealand’s strategy relied on effective testing, contact tracing, and isolation measures—key components that Kenya must prioritize in future health crises.
South Korea: Advanced Testing and Contact Tracing South Korea’s proactive response to COVID-19 hinged on an early, widespread testing program combined with efficient contact tracing.
The country quickly scaled up its testing capacity, providing free testing for anyone who showed symptoms and implementing drive-through testing stations.
South Korea also utilized technology to track and trace the movements of infected individuals, ensuring that potential outbreaks were detected and controlled swiftly.
Kenya could benefit from expanding its testing infrastructure and using digital tools to improve tracking and tracing in future pandemics.
Taiwan: Transparent Communication and Public Trust Taiwan is another example of a country that managed the COVID-19 crisis with proactive measures.
of the key reasons behind Taiwan’s success was its strong public health infrastructure and the government’s transparent communication with the public.
The Taiwanese government quickly implemented border restrictions, monitored travelers, and enforced quarantines.
Their clear, consistent, and fact-based communication helped build public trust and compliance with health measures.
Kenya can learn from this example by improving public communication and fostering trust in health authorities, especially in rural areas where misinformation can be rampant.
Germany: Robust Healthcare System and Early Investment Germany’s strong healthcare system was one of the primary reasons it was able to manage COVID-19 so effectively.
The country invested early in intensive care unit (ICU) capacity, ventilators, and medical equipment, ensuring that hospitals were not overwhelmed during the height of the pandemic.
In addition, Germany implemented a comprehensive testing program and quickly mobilized resources to support healthcare workers.
Kenya must prioritize strengthening its healthcare infrastructure and invest in critical medical equipment and training for healthcare professionals to handle future pandemics.
Australia: Effective Border Controls and Public Health Campaigns Australia implemented strict border controls, including mandatory quarantine for international arrivals, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Alongside these measures, the government launched comprehensive public health campaigns to encourage social distancing, mask-wearing, and hygiene practices. Australia also provided substantial economic support to businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic.
Kenya could benefit from implementing stringent border controls in the event of a future pandemic, as well as bolstering its public health campaigns to encourage preventive behaviors.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The time for action is now.
As we reflect on the losses of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ask ourselves whether we are truly committed to making the necessary changes to protect our people from future health crises.
Kisumu County, and indeed the entire nation, deserves more than just reactive measures; we need a proactive, long-term approach to healthcare that is built on a foundation of equity, access, and sustainability.
By learning from international best practices and integrating them into our local context, we can create a health system that is prepared not just for the next pandemic but for ongoing health challenges.
It is time to rethink how we approach health, starting with a commitment to building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for the people of Kisumu and the entire nation.
(Dr. Edris Omondi is a Preacher, Social Thinker, Mentor, Writer, Author and a Public Motivational Speaker)
