By Michelle Ndaga
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale on Tuesday chaired the quarterly meeting with the Development Partners in Health Kenya (DPHK) at the Ministry of Health headquarters, where discussions focused on strengthening systems to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly mothers, children, and refugees.
The meeting, led by incoming DPHK chair Brian Rettman, reviewed Kenya’s ongoing health sector reforms, including the transformation of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to guarantee affordable and reliable supply chains.
Duale also reported steady progress in universal health coverage, with over 26 million Kenyans now registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He outlined the government’s six reform pillars: publicly financed primary health care, a rights-based social insurance model, digital health systems, improved referral and emergency services, sustainable commodity security, and a motivated, well-distributed workforce.
The CS reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to eliminating counterfeit medicines through Pharmacy and Poisons Board reforms and highlighted that the new Digital Health Act will ensure certified and interoperable health systems.
Despite dwindling donor contributions, Duale said the government is strengthening domestic resource mobilization and pursuing innovative financing, including a Gavi co-financing arrangement with the National Treasury to unlock funds for family planning and other essential programs.
On the ongoing Mpox outbreak, Duale commended joint national and county responses, noting that 10,700 vaccine doses have been deployed to high-burden counties.
He emphasized the need for real-time data sharing, pandemic preparedness, and stronger coordination with the Council of Governors.
Duale was joined at the meeting by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni and Digital Health Agency CEO Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara.
