Health Integration Summit 2026: A Call for Youth-Friendly Services
Mombasa, Kenya – The Health Integration Summit 2026, held from March 15th to 20th in Mombasa, Kenya, concluded with a resounding call for integrated health services, particularly emphasizing the critical need for youth-friendly provisions. Graced by Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Health, and hosted by the Ministry of Health through the National AIDS & STI Control (NASCOP), the summit, themed "Health Without Barriers for a Holistic HIV Response," brought together key stakeholders to address the evolving landscape of HIV programming and its integration into Kenya's primary healthcare system.
Summit Objectives and Outcomes
The summit's mission was to accelerate the sustainable integration of HIV services into Kenya’s primary health care system. This involved fostering multi-sectoral commitment, showcasing innovative models, and developing actionable frameworks for financing, workforce, and service delivery.
Key objectives included examining the impact of global and domestic funding shifts, realigning HIV programming within broader health reforms like Primary Health Care (PHC) and the Social Health Act, showcasing innovations and regional best practices, and strengthening community and county leadership in driving integration and service quality improvement.
The expected outcomes of the summit are poised to significantly shape Kenya's health sector. These include the development of a National Health Integration Framework, a Sustainability & Financing Roadmap, a Compendium of Best Practices, and County-level Implementation Guidance. Ultimately, the summit aims for strengthened coordination across PHC and HIV services, ensuring a more cohesive and effective health response for all Kenyans.
Zipporah Achieng's Powerful Advocacy for Youth
A poignant highlight of the summit was the powerful advocacy for youth-friendly services by Zipporah Achieng, a dedicated Health Advocate, HIV advocate, and mother. Achieng, representing the Hope for Kenya Slum Adolescent Initiative (HKSAI), passionately articulated the challenges young people face when seeking health services.
Speaking during the Event Zipporah emphasized;
"As a young woman, a mother, and an HIV advocate, I know how hard it is for young people to walk into a health facility and ask for help," Achieng stated. She highlighted the prevalent fear among youth of being judged, ignored, or dismissed as "too young" when inquiring about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, HIV testing, PrEP, or mental health support.
In collaboration with HKSAI, Achieng is spearheading the establishment of a Youth Friendly Centre in Kibera. This initiative aims to create a safe space where young individuals can access vital HIV services, SRHR information, counseling, and mentorship without fear of judgment. "When young people are given the right information, the right services, and the right support, they make better decisions, they protect themselves, and they build a better future," she emphasized.
Achieng's compelling message resonated deeply: "Youth Friendly Services are not a luxury. They are a necessity. And the time is NOW." Her advocacy underscores the urgent need to prioritize the health and well-being of young people, ensuring they have access to the resources and support necessary to thrive.
A Unified Commitment
The summit concluded with the signing of the #HealthIntegrationSummit2026 communique, a testament to the unified commitment from the Ministry of Health, State Department for Medical Services through NASCOP, Kenya Red Cross Society, Roche, CHAK, Unitaid, NSDCC, NEPHAK Kenya, and all participating partners. The presence of Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Health, underscored the government's strong support for these initiatives. This communique signifies a collective resolve to advance the integration agenda and ensure a healthier future for Kenya, with a particular focus on empowering its youth.
Call to Action: Support Youth-Friendly Services Now
The Hope for Kenya Slum Adolescent Initiative (HKSAI) is dedicated to creating safe spaces and providing essential health services for young people. We invite individuals and organizations to join us in this vital mission.
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We are actively seeking partnerships, support, and donations to expand our reach and establish more Youth Friendly Centres. Your contribution can make a profound difference in the lives of young people, empowering them to make informed decisions and build healthier futures. Join us in making Youth Friendly Services a reality for every young person in Kenya.
