By Dorothy Musyoka
In a significant move to bolster Kenya’s health system, the State Department for Medical Services engaged in strategic discussions with United States Agency for International Development (USAID’s) leadership.
The meeting, led by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Mr. Harry Kimtai, along with Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth and Deputy Director General Dr. Zainab Gura, marked the introduction of Bradley Cronk, the new Director of the Health, Population, and Nutrition Office at USAID Kenya and East Africa.
The discussions centered on enhancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring sustainable funding for critical health programs, including HIV services, reproductive health, and vaccination initiatives.
Both parties underscored the importance of continued collaboration with development partners to deliver quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
“The meeting focused on enhancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring sustainable funding for essential programs like HIV services, reproductive health, and vaccination initiatives. Continued collaboration with development partners remains vital to delivering quality healthcare for all Kenyans,” noted MOH.
In a parallel meeting, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, hosted US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, to further discuss health collaboration between Kenya and the United States.
According to the ministry for health the topics discussed included the integration of HIV services into primary healthcare, advancing global health security, and establishing the Kenyan National Public Health Institute.
The dialogue also extended to joint efforts in malaria reduction, healthcare infrastructure development, and research initiatives.
Notably, the United States pledged substantial support for Kenya’s digital health infrastructure, marking a significant advancement in the country’s healthcare system.
“The discussions also covered joint malaria reduction efforts, healthcare infrastructure, and research. The US pledged significant support for Kenya’s digital health infrastructure, marking a major step in advancing healthcare systems,” stated MOH.
Dr. Barasa was joined by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni and other senior ministry officials, reinforcing the commitment to strengthen the health partnership between Kenya and the US.