Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has held talks with a delegation from the Japan Institute for Health Security and Sysmex Corporation to assess the progress of the XN-31 Malaria and Anaemia Public-Private Partnership pilot currently being implemented in Kisumu County.
The Japanese delegation was led by Prof. Kano Shigeyuki during the meeting, which focused on the pilot’s early achievements following its launch in Kisumu.
According to the Ministry of Health, the XN-31 diagnostic technology has demonstrated significant potential in reducing the time taken to diagnose malaria while simultaneously improving the detection of anaemia, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
The discussions also explored the ongoing evaluation of the XN-31 system for possible inclusion in Kenya’s Essential Diagnostics List, a move that could support wider adoption of the technology across the country’s healthcare facilities.
The meeting further highlighted opportunities for enhanced collaboration in strengthening malaria diagnostics as part of Kenya’s broader efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improve access to quality healthcare services.
The Public-Private Partnership is expected to contribute to more accurate and timely diagnosis of malaria and anaemia, helping improve treatment outcomes and support the country’s disease control efforts.
