A delegation from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) met with Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, and Dr. Tom Menge, Head of the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies, at Afya House to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical sector.
The UNECA team, comprising Ms. Jane Karonga, Kamogelo Mampane, and Dr. Edward Kamamia, highlighted key areas of collaboration.
These include the promotion of a Centralized Pooled Procurement Mechanism to improve access to essential medicines, support for local medicine production to boost supply chain resilience, and enhancing regulatory functions for pharmaceuticals across the continent.
The discussions also underscored the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and global institutions such as Africa CDC, AfCFTA, AMA, AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, IGAD, WHO, and UNIDO to advance these initiatives.
“This engagement reflects the Ministry’s dedication to strengthening pharmaceutical systems, ensuring access to quality medicines, and fostering sustainable healthcare solutions for Kenya and the wider African region,” said Mr. Kimtai.
