Kenya is looking to strengthen funding for its health sector as the country adjusts to changes in global financing for essential health services.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said health resources should be directed towards national priorities and communities that continue to face gaps in access to healthcare.
Oluga spoke during a Kenya Coordinating Mechanism meeting organised by the Global Fund at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi.
He acknowledged the role played by the Global Fund in supporting Kenya’s fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
The PS said Kenya needed to make better use of the resources available to the health sector by improving efficiency and accountability.
He also called for more innovation and greater use of data when making decisions on health investments and policies.
According to Oluga, resources should not be duplicated but should instead reach communities and populations that need them most.
He also pointed to gaps that remain in the country’s HIV response, particularly among children.
The PS called for improvements in the quality of healthcare provided to women and newborns, while also stressing the importance of involving communities in health programmes.
Oluga said Kenya needed to take greater ownership of financing and delivering healthcare while maintaining partnerships with organisations supporting the country’s health system.
He welcomed the continued support from the Global Fund and urged the Kenya Coordinating Mechanism to focus on long-term solutions.
He said stronger cooperation between the government, development partners, communities and other stakeholders would be important as Kenya works towards Universal Health Coverage.