CS Duale Hosts African Health Ministers & Africa CDC for Strategic Talks on Strengthening Africa’s Health Systems

By Dorothy Musyoka

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has welcomed a delegation of African Health Ministers and officials from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for a high-level strategic engagement in Nairobi.

The leaders are in Kenya for the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP), convened under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Health Leaders for Transformational Change.”

Supported by Africa CDC, MELP brings together health sector decision-makers from across the continent to advance Africa’s leadership agenda and accelerate progress in Member States.

According to the Ministry of Health, the programme aims to equip delegates with strategic governance skills, sharpen policy-making, and bolster health diplomacy within Africa’s evolving health systems and complex geopolitical landscape.

“The delegation is in Kenya for the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme, themed “Empowering Africa’s Health Leaders for Transformational Change,” stated MOH.

“Supported by Africa CDC, it unites health leaders to drive Africa’s leadership agenda and fast-track progress in Member States,”  added MOH.

In his address, Hon. Duale outlined Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, anchored on four pillars:

  • A well-trained, equitably distributed health workforce
  • Modern, accessible health infrastructure
  • Secure, affordable health products and technologies
  • Strong service delivery underpinned by sustainable financing

The CS also highlighted ongoing reforms, including the digitization of health systems and the rollout of the National Equipment Services Programme, initiatives aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to enhance healthcare delivery.

Hon. Duale underscored that Africa’s health sovereignty must be built on African-led solutions, backed by political will, sustainable financing, and strong regional partnerships, particularly through platforms like Africa CDC.

He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing with fellow African nations to build a healthier, more resilient continent by Africa, for Africa.