Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Friday held a meeting with the Global Fund’s Executive Director, Peter Sands, in an effort to advance the country’s progress in the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage agenda (UHC).
During the meeting, the duo discussed how the country and the Global Fund can collaborate in order to improve the quality of health services in the country, especially in the fight against HIV, TB, and Malaria.
Speaking during the meeting, Health CS Duale said that the country has made significant progress in its long-standing partnership with the Global Fund. He said that over 1.3 million patients are already benefiting from life-saving antiretroviral treatment in the country.
Duale also said that deaths associated with AIDS have reduced by 43 percent in the country, while TB deaths have reduced by 59 percent in recent years. The CS said that this is due to the continued support in treatment, testing, and prevention and community health initiatives.
However, the CS said that there is still a lot to be done in the country and that there is a need to step up and improve in some areas, such as the production of medicines and vaccines in the country, since it is over-reliant on imported drugs and vaccines.
The CS also proposed that the support provided by the Global Fund be aligned with Kenya’s ongoing health reforms that include the digitization of health services and the new financing system under the Social Health Authority (SHA). He said that technology and appropriate financing systems will ensure that every Kenyan accesses quality healthcare.
The two leaders also discussed the need for innovative ways to finance healthcare services in Kenya, especially at a time when Kenya is under economic pressure due to debt, inflation, and climate-related effects.
Duale noted that Kenya needs to increase domestic funding for health services in order for the system to be sustainable in the long term.
He noted that Kenya has made significant reforms in primary healthcare services, which include the recruitment of over 107,000 Community Health Promoters and efforts to improve the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) so that drugs are delivered in time.
The meeting was attended by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, and other officials.
The talks signal Kenya’s continued push to build a stronger, more reliable and people-focused health system.
