Health CS Aden Duale appealed for more investment by African countries in local manufacturing and stronger regulation of medical products, warning that heavy dependence on imports from abroad is a threat to public health and economic stability alike.
Addressing participants in Mombasa at the 7th Biennial Scientific Conference on Medical Products Regulation in Africa, SCoMRA VII, where he represented President William Ruto, Duale said that Africa had to take bold steps towards securing its health future.
“Africa still imports over 90 per cent of its medicines,” he noted and added, “If we are to achieve true health sovereignty, we need to strengthen our regulatory systems and invest in our own manufacturing capacity.”
The CS noted that Kenya has already started taking practical steps to meet the challenge through the adoption of end-to-end digital systems monitoring procurement, quality control, and distribution of medical products.
“Every shipment now can be tracked from the point of production to a patient. This protects our citizens, gives investors confidence, and ensures accountability in the way public funds are spent,” said Duale.
He further explained that the government is integrating digital innovation and artificial intelligence into the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda in order to increase efficiency and transparency at each point in the health supply chain.
He added that African countries should make full use of the frameworks of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Medicines Agency in establishing harmonized markets for health products of assured quality.
“With the right partnerships and commitment to safety, performance, and sustainability, Africa can unlock its full health potential and deliver lasting progress for its people,” he said.
