Dr. Catherine Kanari

Public Health expert|dabble in all things health| Universal Health Coverage lead AMREF| Gods daughter| beaches and mountains chaser

[Dr. Catherine Kanari @cwkanari]

@uber_kenya incompetence is not a good outfit! 4 months later I raised my issue same day yet the issue could have been resolved the same day! I did not get a delivery both rider and vendor sent you a message but you have not sorted why?

[Amref Health Africa in Kenya @Amref_Kenya]

🎙️ True change in child health begins with collaboration.

In this powerful episode of #PulseAndProgress, #Amref's @cwkanari as she joins, Thoko Elphick-Pooley of the @gatesfoundation to unpack the urgent crossroads for child survival in Africa.
💡 From smarter health financing to community-driven action, the conversation spotlights how partnerships can deliver real impact — getting a “bang for our buck” where it matters most: saving children’s lives.

🌍 We stand at a critical moment, progress is fragile, but with bold, African-led solutions, a healthier future is within reach.

🎧 Tune in to this episode for a roadmap for action on child survival, equity, and resilient primary health care. #EWENE #8MVoices4PHC

[Dr. Catherine Kanari @cwkanari]

True change in child health comes from collaboration & getting a "bang for our buck." Shared insights on partnerships & community-focused solutions with @TerryanneChebet on #PulseAndProgress.
Watch here: https://t.co/J95QN15jyd
#ChildSurvival #GlobalHealth

[Ministry of Health @MOH_Kenya]

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞

The Government of Kenya has, for the first time, integrated mental health services into the national insurance benefits package under Kenya’s Taifa Care Model and the Social Health Authority (SHA). This historic milestone strengthens access to comprehensive healthcare and underscores the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Kenyans.

Speaking during the official opening of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference–2025, held in Nairobi under the theme “Securing the Future: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health for Generations,” Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale said the move reflects the government’s dedication to equitable, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare.

He noted that the Ministry of Health continues to transform how mental health is perceived, financed, and delivered, guided by the Mental Health Act, 2023, and the Kenya Mental Health Policy. These policy frameworks affirm mental health as a fundamental human right, guaranteeing dignity, access, and protection for all Kenyans living with mental illness.

At the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, Hon. Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building sustainable and inclusive mental health systems, ensuring universal access to care, and advancing Africa’s united voice for mental well-being — positioning Kenya as a continental and global leader in mental health advocacy.

The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the decentralization of mental health services to the community level through 107,000 digitally empowered Community Health Promoters (CHPs). These frontline workers provide early, person-centered support and bring essential services closer to communities, a key reform that reinforces the rollout of Kenya’s Taifa Care Model.

“For the first time, mental health services are now part of the national insurance benefits package, ensuring that no Kenyan has to choose between caring for their mind and feeding their family. This is the true meaning of ‘Afya Bora kwa Wakenya Wote’ — quality healthcare for every Kenyan, without financial hardship,” said Hon. Duale.

In his remarks, the CS called for multisectoral collaboration involving national and county governments, schools, faith leaders, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen Kenya’s collective response to mental health.

The three-day conference brings together stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and development partners to discuss emerging mental health issues, develop a roadmap for a mentally healthy nation, and share innovative, evidence-based interventions to guide the country’s future mental health agenda.

The event was hosted by Dr. Mercy Karanja, Acting Head of the Mental Health Division, and attended by Dr. Frank Njenga, former Presidential Advisor on Mental Health; Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services; and representatives from Johnson & Johnson, Aga Khan University Hospital, Amref Health Africa, and the Council of Governors (CoG) represented by Jemimah Kuta.

[Amref Health Africa in Kenya @Amref_Kenya]

During the National Mental Health Conference 2025, #Amref's Dr Catherine Kanari underscored that sustainable mental health financing in Kenya begins with systems thinking , not stand-alone projects.

“We must create a dedicated Mental Health and Addiction Fund, integrate mental health into the #UHC benefits package, and align all partner and domestic resources around one national framework and shared results,” she said.

Dr Kanari called for unified governance, task-sharing through primary health care, and data-driven accountability to ensure every Kenyan can access affordable, quality mental health services , wherever they live. @MOHmentalhealth #SecuringTheFuture2025 #WorldMentalHealthDay2025 #Amref4MentalHealth

[Ministry of Health @MOH_Kenya]

Happening Now: Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale is officially opening the 2nd National Mental Health Conference–2025 at a Nairobi hotel, held under the theme “Securing the Future: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health for Generations.”

The three-day conference builds on the momentum of the inaugural event, focusing on addressing the mental health needs of Kenyans through a holistic and intergenerational approach. It seeks to advocate for increased investment and foster collaboration to promote mental well-being across all life stages.

Bringing together diverse stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society, the forum provides a platform to discuss emerging issues, develop a roadmap for a mentally healthy future, and share innovative, evidence-based interventions. It underscores Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda by reaffirming that mental health is a fundamental human right and an integral, accessible, and affordable part of the essential healthcare continuum for all.

The Cabinet Secretary is hosted by Dr. Mercy Karanja, Acting Head of the Mental Health Division, and Dr. Frank Njenga, former Presidential Advisor on Mental Health, and is accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga.

[Amref Health Africa in Kenya @Amref_Kenya]

@SpeakerKLusaka, Governor, @BungomaCountyKe, together with @Amref_Kenya and @TikoAfrica leaders, signed a Memorandum of Intent to secure funding for the Youth Empowerment Centres for Health (YEC4H).

The need is urgent: 19% of Bungoma girls aged 15–19 are mothers, 1,679 adolescent girls were newly infected with HIV in 2023, and youth account for 38% of GBV cases. In response, the partners are launching a 3-year YEC4H program to establish 45 youth-friendly health centres delivering sexual and reproductive health (SRH), HIV, #GBV, #mentalhealth, and empowerment services.

Using a results-based public–private co-financing model, Bungoma County has committed about USD 2.32 million. Partners will bridge a viability gap of USD 6.97 million. To ensure sustainability, YEC4H staff will be integrated into the County payroll by Year 3, with County co-payments for outputs commencing after Year 1.5.

By 2028, YEC4H aims to achieve 30% fewer teen pregnancies, 40% fewer new HIV infections, and a 50% increase in GBV support, providing a model for youth empowerment and health equity.

#YEC4H #YouthEmpowerment #TripleThreat #InnovativeFinancing @YACT_Africa @Power2YouthKe

[Amref Health Africa @Amref_Worldwide]

Africa’s silent epidemic: NCDs like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease now cause 37% of deaths—threatening over 1 billion lives, straining health systems, and slowing economies.

How can Africa's youth and innovation beat #NCDs? #AfyaFest2025 @WHOAFRO @AfricaCDC @WHO @MastercardFdn @AmrefUniversity

[Amref Health Africa @Amref_Worldwide]

We honour the lives of Capt. Muthuka Munuve, Capt. Brian Kimani Miaro, Dr Charles Mugo Njoroge, and Nurse Jane Rispah Aluoch Omusula, heroes who dedicated their lives to saving others.

May their souls rest in eternal peace. 🕊️
#AMREFFallenHeroes #HonourInService AMREF

[Dr Elias Melly, M.D @DrEliasMelly]

Ending the stakeholders engagement with the MCAs in style!

[World Heart Federation @worldheartfed]

@cwkanari highlights school health implementation, TV, radio and social media campaigns to reach and influence the youth in #Africa 🌍 #WorldHeartSummit

[World Heart Federation @worldheartfed]

“The main problem that countries tell us is the intervention and interference of the tobacco industry. They are not going to be happy with the work. Their interest is irreconcilable with the interest of public health.” -@BlancoMarquizo #WorldHeartSummit

[World Heart Federation @worldheartfed]

⏰ Join us in 10 min at the #WorldHeartSummit to discuss innovative approaches to fighting #CVD 💔 at the local level!

💬 @BlancoMarquizo, @cwkanari, @moderna_tx, @ShinsukeMuto and @sheilambrasil.

Learn more: https://t.co/mox9a6AOuN

[Dr. Catherine Kanari @cwkanari]

Delighted to be participating in the #WorldHeartSummit next week! Looking forward to sharing insights, collaborating with experts and finding solutions for healthier hearts worldwide ❤️ Join me: https://t.co/iuzi9IKHSl @worldheartfed

[Amref Health Africa @Amref_Worldwide]

We are committed to leaving no one behind by ensuring universal access to high-quality and affordable health services without financial hardship. Using the #AmrefMobileClinic, we take healthcare services - vaccination, diabetes and hypertension screening to the last mile communities. #Amref4PHC @Shakwei @cwkanari

[World Heart Federation @worldheartfed]

Urgent action is needed to prevent and reduce the burden of #CVD 💔 globally. Join us at the #WorldHeartSummit as we work together to bring cardiovascular disease to the top of the global health agenda 🌍🌎🌏

🗓️ 19-21 May 2023
📍 Geneva, Switzerland 🇨🇭
🔗 https://t.co/IYsRN0NOrh

[Amref Health Africa in Kenya @Amref_Kenya]

Today we join the world in marking #WorldMalariaDay2023, dubbed, time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate and implement. The theme draws reference to progress made in the fight against malaria and calls for concerted efforts to end malaria by 2030. @DNMPKenya

[Amref Health Africa in Kenya @Amref_Kenya]

Today, using our #AmrefMobileClinic, we are in @KisiiCounty045 for #COVID19 vaccination and, hypertension and diabetes screening for the last-mile communities. We are committed to leaving no one behind. #AmrefCovid19ResponseKe @kikiwemo @MuhanjiRaymond @MOH_Kenya

[Amref Health Africa in Kenya @Amref_Kenya]

Visit our #AmrefMobileClinic today at Sameta Market, Bobasi Sub-county, @KisiiCounty to #GetVaccinated and be screened to know your diabetes and hypertension status. Help protect yourself and your loved ones from possible #COVID19 infection. #AmrefCovid19ResponseKe @Shakwei

[Dr. Catherine Kanari @cwkanari]

@amazon I have been trying to get my refund for a month is the anyone who can assist me with this @JeffBezos