By Mohammed Juma
Kenya has officially joined Pfizer’s Accord for a Healthier World, an ambitious initiative designed to improve equitable access to life-saving medicines and vaccines.
The announcement was made during a high-level event in Nairobi, led by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, alongside Pfizer executives and health sector leaders.
Under the Accord, Kenya’s public health system will gain access to Pfizer’s full portfolio of both patented and off-patent medicines and vaccines at not-for-profit prices.
This includes more than 140 essential treatments for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular illnesses.
The agreement is expected to significantly reduce the cost of critical medications by up to 60% in some cases.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I extend our sincere gratitude to Pfizer for their support in strengthening health systems and increasing access to essential medicines,” said Dr. Oluga.
The initiative goes beyond cost reductions. Pfizer has pledged to collaborate with Kenyan agencies like KEMSA to improve supply chain systems, enhance cold chain logistics, support health worker training, and accelerate regulatory approvals.
“This initiative is not just a national milestone—it sets Kenya on a path to become a continental benchmark for timely and equitable healthcare access,” Dr. Oluga said.
Kenya also aims to expand local drug manufacturing from 20% to 50% and introduce a national drug traceability system to curb counterfeits.
Kenya now joins 14 other countries worldwide in the Accord, which was launched by Pfizer in May 2022 to benefit over a billion people in low- and lower-middle-income nations.