The government is seeking additional funding from the Global Fund to strengthen the Social Health Authority (SHA), expand digital healthcare services and enhance the country’s fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga and a Global Fund delegation led by Senior Portfolio Manager Paul MacCarrick, as the two sides reviewed the implementation of Grant Cycle 7 and began preparations for the next funding phase under Grant Cycle 8.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya’s next funding request will focus on strengthening the Social Health Authority, expanding digital health systems, improving the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies, building more resilient health systems, supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing and exploring the use of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare delivery.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Oluga said the government wants every investment made through the Global Fund to deliver tangible results while supporting the country’s push towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Taifa Care programme.
“The next grant cycle presents an opportunity to strengthen national health systems while ensuring sustainable investments that improve healthcare services for all Kenyans,” he said.
The discussions come as the government continues implementing reforms under the Social Health Authority, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of efforts to transform healthcare financing.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Health is increasing its efforts to implement digital health systems to improve the provision of healthcare services and ease the processing of claims and handling of patient records.
A robust digital infrastructure is believed to aid in the improvement of the delivery and monitoring of programs against HIV, TB, and malaria while at the same time making healthcare services more effective and easily accessible.
The Global Fund continues to be one of the main development partners of Kenya, providing support for programs fighting HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria while aiding in the improvement of the health system through medication, diagnostics, and healthcare infrastructure development.
In case the funding proposal is accepted, it is expected to aid the next stage of health reforms of Kenya through the strengthening of SHA, development of digital health services, and access to healthcare.