Dr Ouma Oluga Pandemic Preparedness was a central focus at a high-level panel hosted by Unitaid during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), where Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services called for urgent investment in Africa’s local manufacturing capacity and stronger global cooperation.
Dr Oluga noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities in Africa’s health systems, particularly the continent’s overreliance on external support for vaccines, diagnostics, and protective equipment. He urged countries across Africa to prioritize the development of domestic manufacturing to ensure better preparedness and resilience in future health crises.
He emphasized that in today’s highly interconnected world, no country can afford to face health threats in isolation. Collaboration among nations, he said, is essential to building sustainable and responsive health systems.
Dr Oluga also welcomed the recently adopted Pandemic Agreement pending ratification as a potentially transformative global framework. He highlighted its role in enhancing international coordination and addressing longstanding inequalities in access to critical medical supplies during emergencies.
Kenya’s participation in this global dialogue reflects its commitment to leading regional health transformation and advocating for a more equitable global health landscape. Dr Ouma Oluga’s remarks reinforced the need for bold action, investment, and solidarity to secure the future of global health security.
