Kenya and the US reaffirmed commitment to a strong health partnership during a high-level meeting organized on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale led Kenya in negotiations with Jeffrey Graham, the Acting Global AIDS Coordinator.
The two reviewed nearly two decades of cooperation that have seen initiatives such as PEPFAR and PMI deliver life-saving results.
More than 1.4 million Kenyans are now on HIV treatment, with new infections and deaths sharply declining since 2010.
Duale made the argument that the gains must be sustained as the partnership enters a new era under the America First Global Health Strategy.
He welcomed the focus on country ownership and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on Kenya’s reforms to strengthen health systems, strengthen transparency, and boost local financing for health.
Future collaboration was also discussed.
The two sides committed to creating a firm Kenya–US Technical Coordination Mechanism to oversee the transition and coordinate collaborative efforts.
Priorities include continuity of care, predictability of financing, technology transfer, and local production of health products.
Kenya laid out initiatives already under way, including investment in digital health, transformation at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and enhanced disease surveillance systems.
US Global Health Security Directorate Dr. Mamadi Yilla, Kenya Principal Secretary Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Dr. Bashir Isaak, Digital Health Agency CEO Eng. Anthony Lenayara, and National Assembly Health Committee Chair Dr. James Nyikal were also present.
