Health CS Hon. Aden Duale Engages Amref Health Africa on Strengthening Health Sector Reforms
Nairobi, KENYA - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale held a strategic engagement with a delegation from Amref Health Africa in Kenya, led by CEO Dr. Githinji Gitahi, as the Ministry continues to implement critical reforms aimed at advancing the health sector under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The Amref team updated the Cabinet Secretary on the organization’s role and contributions to the health sector, highlighting key achievements including the establishment of 74 Public Care Networks across 13 counties; supervision of over 107,000 Community Health Promoters; installation of 22 oxygen plants in 14 counties; and the distribution of 20,000 oxygen cylinders across all 47 counties, among others.
As the Ministry seeks to unlock the full potential of primary health care systems and digital health—both critical enablers of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—Hon. Duale acknowledged the value of Amref’s innovative models, global experience, and strong community footprint in shaping and implementing the UHC agenda.
Recognizing Amref’s technical expertise, grassroots presence, and commitment to equitable, people-centered health care, Hon. Duale proposed strengthening the partnership in the following areas:
1️⃣Convening strategic Public-Private Partnerships to support infrastructure, diagnostics, and PHC delivery models.
2️⃣Aligning with national health strategies and reporting through government platforms to enhance coordination and accountability.
3️⃣Deepening data-sharing and contributing to evidence that informs national health policies.
4️⃣Establishing a joint results framework to guide the Ministry’s strategic engagement.
5️⃣Elevating the current partnership into a formalized, high-level collaboration framework.
6️⃣Setting up a joint working group to prioritize areas for immediate and medium-term impact, monitor progress, and report jointly to health leadership.
7️⃣Strengthening efforts in maternal and newborn health and healthcare financing.
Hon. Duale emphasized that the Ministry will leverage Amref’s global reach—particularly in community health—to enhance the national dialogue on Universal Health Coverage. He further reiterated that health is a constitutional right for all Kenyans under Article 43, and underscored the Ministry’s commitment to working collaboratively with all partners to realize this goal.
The Cabinet Secretary was joined by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth and Director of Family Health Dr. Isaak Bashir. Also in attendance was Amref Board Chairperson Ms. Mette Kjaer Kinoti and Dr Meshack Ndirangu Country Director, Amref Health Africa in Kenya.
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