Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Ouma Oluga has been elected the president of all health workers around the world.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Dr Oluga indicated that his election as President of the Health Workers for All Coalition followed a three-phase process that kicked off in December 14, 2018.
"The second round of the election process that involved interviews was held in early January before the final election confirmation on January 20," he added.
Thanking all those who contributed to his election, Oluga indicated that the coalition lobby's for universal access to skilled health workers.
"There is a shortage of 18 million skilled health workers globally with a shortfall of 500,000 workers in Africa. This is what the coalition aims to address," Dr Oluga stated.
In Kenya, four organizations; AMREF Health Africa, KMPDU, People's Health Movement, and Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN) took part in the election with each umbrella body having a single vote.
The KMPDU Secretary-General indicated that skilled health workers are an integral part in the realisation of Universal Health Care (UHC) launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On his new appointment, Oluga exuded confidence that his new position would put Kenya on the global map as the coalition continues championing for the universal access to skilled health workers.
Noting that UHC has made tremendous milestones in different countries including Japan, Thailand, Canada and UK, Dr Oluga added that the coalition will continue offering evidence and support to governments towards the enhancement of the health sector.
He will be at the helm of the global coalition of medical workers for two years beginning mid-February, 2019, where he will co-chair alongside Amanda Banda from Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Health Workers for All Coalition was formed during the 71st World Health Assembly held between 21-26 May 2018.
