Dr. Muthoni Karanja: Advancing Universal Health Coverage Through HRH

As the Directorate Lead for Healthcare Professionals at the Kenya Human Resource for Health Advisory Council (KHHRAC), I am committed to strengthening Human Resources for Health (HRH)—a crucial pillar of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). I oversee a team dedicated to documenting and streamlining Kenya’s HRH data within a global framework. Kenya is one of six African countries participating in this initiative, providing critical insights into workforce distribution and skill mix to inform evidence-based policymaking.

In alignment with International Women’s Day, we disaggregate our HRH data by gender to identify and address disparities within the healthcare workforce. By ensuring that women are equally represented and supported, we not only enhance HRH policies but also drive progress toward gender equality in healthcare leadership.

As Wangari Maathai once said, “The higher you go, the fewer women there are.” By strengthening HRH systems, we can foster inclusivity, resilience, and equitable access to healthcare for all.

Dr. Muthoni Karanja

Directorate Lead, Healthcare Professionals

Kenya Human Resource for Health Advisory Council (KHHRAC)