Kenya, Japan renew health partnership with focus on resilient systems

The pledge took place in a bilateral meeting chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and his Japanese counterpart Hon. Minoru Kiuchi who serves as the Minister of State for Health Care Policy on the sidelines of TICAD 9 (Tokyo International Conference on African Development 9) where both sides expressed commitment in turning the shared vision into tangible programs that not only benefit communities but hospitals and research institutions as well

Kenya recognized Japan for supporting infectious disease control, health security, medical technology and human resource development coupled with key contributions to advance universal health coverage through the Africa Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AfHWIN).

Furthermore, Kenya seeks deeper collaboration with the Asian nation in the transfer of health innovation and technology, climate change and health resilience, tackling non-communicable diseases and aging and the financing of sustainable healthcare.

CS Duale expressed appreciation to the Government and People of Japan for their steadfast partnership and affirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing cooperation between the two nations when it comes to global health.

The Ministry of Health further noted that Kenya made significant progress in the fight against infectious diseases in a Pre-TICAD9 Round Table with Japanese Parliamentarians, where the Ministry of Health was represented by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni who credited the progress to strong domestic leadership and global partnership particularly through TICAD and other bilateral initiatives.

“Our progress against HIV, TB, and malaria demonstrates what is possible when global solidarity meets national leadership. We must renew our commitment through co-investment, technology transfer, and sustained partnerships. We need concerted efforts for a future free from infectious diseases and Universal Health Coverage,” noted PS Muthoni.

PS Muthoni further highlighted the need to safeguard the hard won gains noting the need for concerted efforts in the fight against infectious diseases.