Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for closer cooperation among the global community to combat emerging health challenges as well as enhance sharing of knowledge and technology.
Speaking in Prague at the just concluded Czech Republic-Africa 2022 health forum, Kagwe said the Covid-19 pandemic exposed the weak systems which exist in the global health system. He said the experience has led to the collective conclusion that the capacity of health care should be strengthened in all countries across the globe.
“This conference offers a chance for our respective countries to learn from each other, from our host the Czech Republic and to explore Areas of cooperation.” Observed the health CS.
This even as he challenged African leaders to enhance cooperation among member states to confront common challenges especially in the area of vaccine manufacturing. “I therefore urge my dear colleagues that whereas it’s important to have these dialogues with our friendly partners here in Europe and elsewhere which we appreciate very much, we should do the same and more at home on the continent.” Implored the CS.
He said Kenya has already implemented a host reforms as part of its agenda to strengthen health systems.
According to Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek, outcomes of the Forum will provide a valuable policy input to strengthen EU-Africa cooperation as well as serve as a guide for future Czech-African bilateral ties in the healthcare sector.
Speaking at the same forum, Katerina Bathova from the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic said the meeting provided a platform to discuss policy choices that governments make today to determine the success in building a transition to a heathier, more inclusive and more resilient tomorrow. “It is my belief that this Forum and your presence in Prague offer an enormous opportunity to chart a path that empowers everyone to face the future with confidence” said Katerina.
Kenya and the Czech Republic have already pledged to enhance their bilateral relations in an effort to improve health outcomes among the two countries.
A meeting between health Cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe and Czech ambassador Martin Klepetko, held earlier this year, resolved to fast-track the signing of a memorandum of understanding on health collaboration.
