Kenya, US deepen health partnership to accelerate UHC

Kenya is exploring new areas of collaboration with the United States to strengthen Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

This was revealed on Wednesday during a meeting at the National Treasury in Nairobi, involving Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and a US delegation led by the newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires  Ms. Susan Burns.

The talks focused on sustainable health financing, health system strengthening, and joint action under the Global Health Security (GHS) framework, with Kenya identified as a priority partner.

During the engagement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted key health sector reforms, including the digitisation of the health system, the elimination of unqualified practitioners, and a crackdown on fraud within the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment by agreeing to form a Joint Technical Working Group to enhance UHC delivery and resilience against health threats.

Also present were Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), and Dr. Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), among other senior officials.