Following the runaway success of the inaugural Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi in 2018, Kenya is once again taking a significant diplomatic stride.
Kenya is gearing up to host the upcoming African Climate Summit scheduled to take place between September 4 to September 8.
The event which will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), will serve as an influential platform to garner widespread support for Kenya's position on climate change.
Notably, President William Ruto has consistently called for a comprehensive revamp of the global financial system, aimed at empowering countries susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change.
The 2018 Blue Economy Conference incurred costs amounting to Ksh800 million, a substantial portion of which was financed through grants provided by development partners.
Given the anticipated high-profile attendees and the significance of the summit, the budget for the African Climate Summit is expected to exceed Ksh1 billion.
Anticipated to attract over 17 Heads of State and a diverse range of participants from around the globe, the summit is poised to garner significant international attention.
To guarantee the safety and health of the attendees and to ensure the seamless execution of the event, the government is taking major precautions.
In a statement, Mary Muthoni, the Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health said authorities have put in place essential emergency health facilities.
“As delegates converge to discuss Climate Change issues and cooperation, the comprehensive health measures in place aim to ensure a successful and worry-free event for all,” said PS Muthoni in a statement.
1. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Ambulances
Reserved exclusively for visiting Heads of State and dignitaries, the ambulances will serve as a crucial resource during emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes.
The ambulances will be equipped with advanced medical capabilities, encompassing airway management, ventilation, CPR compressions , defibrillation, and medication administration.
Strategically located at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, the ambulances will remain on standby to facilitate swift response.
Their primary purpose will be to ensure the prompt evacuation of any dignitary necessitating urgent medical attention.
In the event of a medical crisis, the well equipped ambulances will swiftly transport the patient to the nearest hospital, guaranteeing quality medical care.
2. Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances
The dedicated Basic Life Support [BLS] ambulances will offer immediate medical aid to delegates in the event of emergencies.
BLS are an important aspect of prehospital care, particularly essential for resuscitating patients en route to medical facilities.
The ambulances will also cater to any other attendees requiring emergency care. The medical emergency vehicles will be equipped with the latest medical equipment such as an automatic external defibrillator, blood pressure monitoring equipment, pulse oximetry and oxygen delivery services.
Highly trained nurses will also remain on standby to provide assistance to patients who might experience physical and emotional instability.
3. Health Clinics
To address the diverse health requirements of attendees, conveniently positioned health clinics will guarantee accessible support for all participants, including those with special needs.
The clinics will be manned by experienced medical practitioners. Conversely, the clinics will be readily available to provide immediate first aid whenever necessary, and will coordinate closely with the standby ambulances in case evacuation is required.
Instructively, any attendee will have the freedom to enter any of the health clinics and request medical assistance.
4. Five Ambulances
To enhance preparedness for potential surges in emergency cases, an extra five ambulances will be strategically stationed both within the KICC premises and its surrounding areas.
The ambulances will be fitted with comprehensive emergency kits, essential medications, and other critical medical supplies required for fundamental life support.
According to the Ministry of Health, the ambulances will reinforce the emergency response capacity, especially during significant crises.
The ambulances will also be equipped with first aid kits, crucial for delivering initial care and particularly vital for administering resuscitation procedures while in transit to medical facilities.
5. Health Inspections
To bolster the ministry's emergency responses, teams specialising in public health will conduct comprehensive inspections of all accommodation facilities.
The goal will be to verify adherence to health standards and to identify and address any potential medical-related issues.
“With a robust focus on health precautions, emergency response, and public health inspections, the organisers are committed to providing a secure environment for all participants including delegates flying in from all across the world,” said PS Health, Mary Muthoni.
