BQ Reporter 
Health Ag.Director General Dr.Patrick Amoth delivers keynote address on behalf of Health PS Susan Mochache during the launch of Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis at the College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi.
Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) that was established in 2020 aims to support the control, elimination and eradication of infectious diseases through data-driven decision making to improve health in Kenya and the African Continent
Education CS Prof. George Magoha officially launched the Centre today at the College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi in Kenyatta National Hospital in an event attended by Prof. Kiama Gitahi VC of University Of Nairobi.
It’s establishment is timely due to the rising need for data to inform the Ministry of Health’s actions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PS said in a speech read by Dr. Amoth.
As we are all aware, public health emergencies call for rapid and focused responses to avoid overwhelming health systems and to save lives.
The most successful national responses globally, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, were most effective where decision-making was timely and clear, where there was capacity to coordinate efforts across multiple sectors, and where formal advisory structures were able to provide timely scientific advice that was heeded.
Countries that devalued science have had the biggest challenges in containment of the pandemic, and as a country we have seen the value of science in managing the pandemic.
The Ministry of Health recognises the crucial role that real time data access and close working with clinical and multidisciplinary teams plays in rapid information of pandemic responses. This has been a key lesson and reason for our success in fighting the pandemic so far.
The Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis has been a critical partner to the Ministry of Health and the Government of Kenya in protecting the health of Kenyans in this unprecedented public health emergency, and the Ministry is proud to be associated with the University of Nairobi Center for Epidemiology Modelling and Analysis, and to officiate the launch of this critical resource for the country.
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