By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya has taken a bold step towards advancing health outcomes in the region by deepening its strategic partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to strengthen domestic health financing and improve reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH).
The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, hosted a high-level delegation from the IGAD Secretariat for discussions aimed at aligning regional priorities with continental goals such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting emphasized the need for stronger collaboration in scaling up RMNCAH services and enhancing health system sustainability through increased domestic resource mobilization.
“The RHFH aims to support IGAD member states in scaling up domestic health financing, fostering resource mobilization, improving RMNCAH service delivery, and aligning with continental priorities such as Agenda 2063 and the SDGs,” noted MOH.
The IGAD delegation included Dr. Ahmed Hassan, Senior Programme Coordinator; Mr. Tesfaye Mesele, Health Financing Expert; and Ms. Sharon Kuku, Information and Communication Officer.
Central to the deliberations was the Africa Demographic Dividend and Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, supported by AUDA-NEPAD, and the proposal to establish a Regional Health Financing Hub (RHFH) at the IGAD Secretariat.
The RHFH is envisioned as a center of excellence to support IGAD member states in building resilient health systems by providing technical assistance, fostering innovative financing models and facilitating coordinated efforts to improve RMNCAH outcomes across the region.
“Discussions centred on the Africa Demographic Dividend and Sexual and Reproductive Health Program supported by AUDA-NEPAD and plans to establish a Regional Health Financing Hub (RHFH) at the IGAD Secretariat,” added MOH.
Also present at the meeting were senior officials from the Ministry of Health, including Dr. Isaak Bashir, Head of the Directorate of Family Health; Dr. Edward Serem, Head of the RMNCAH Division and Dr. Christine Wambugu, Head of the Adolescent Health Section.
The renewed collaboration reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and contributing to regional health development through collective action, innovation, and shared expertise.