By Selian Mbari
Kenya and Japan have renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the health sector.
This happened on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD)9, where Health Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Aden Duale, held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s Minister of State for Health Care Policy.
TICAD serves as a platform for Japan and African nations to advance cooperation in peace, stability, and sustainable development and health has consistently been highlighted as one of the cornerstones of this partnership.
Kenya and Japan share a long-standing partnership built on mutual respect and a shared vision for resilient health systems. Kenya has acknowledged Japan’s critical role in strengthening health security, advancing infectious disease control, supporting medical technology, and investing in human resource development.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya looks forward to deeper collaboration with Japan. The focus is on health innovation, technology transfer and building resilience against climate change.
Other priorities include tackling non-communicable diseases, addressing ageing populations, and ensuring sustainable health financing. Both countries pledged to turn this vision into tangible programs for communities, hospitals, and research institutions.
“Looking ahead, we agreed to deepen collaboration in digital health, technology transfer, health resilience, non-communicable diseases and sustainable financing models.” Aden Duale said.
The Cabinet Secretary also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their steadfast partnership, affirming Kenya’s commitment to advance Africa–Japan cooperation in global health.
Hon. Kiuchi, Japan’s Minister of State for Health Care Policy, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to translating this shared vision into impactful programs.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Daniel Mwai, Presidential Advisor on Health; Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director-General of Health; and Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Chair of Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).