CS Duale Champions Inclusive Health Reforms and Innovative Financing at WHA Ministerial Event

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐚, 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

At the 78th World Health Assembly(WHA),Health Cabinet Secretary Hon Aden Duale participated in a high-level ministerial side event hosted by the Global Fund. The event, themed "Accelerating Universal Health Coverage: Mobilising Resources for Health Equity and Sustainability in Africa," which provided a platform for discussing transformative strategies for Africa's healthcare systems.

In his remarks, the CS underscored Kenya's commitment to advancing health equity through the recent establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance (SHI), designed to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). This innovative shift aims to make healthcare access inclusive, extending beyond the traditionally employed Kenyan population to encompass all citizens irrespective of age ,location and economic status.

Highlighting the positive reception of SHA and SHI among Kenyans, he emphasized that the new framework has surpassed the limitations of the former NHIF by offering comprehensive coverage. A pivotal shift toward achieving universal health coverage by dismantling barriers and ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, irrespective of their employment status.

The CS acknowledged the shifting landscape of global funding, calling on African countries to explore innovative financing mechanisms and underscored the role of the Global Fund as a catalytic and complementary partner, urging African nations to devise strategies that leverage this partnership to strengthen their healthcare systems.

The side event, hosted by Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands, brought together prominent figures in the health sector, including H.E. Dr. Jean Kseya, Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Ruth Lawson, Deputy Permanent Representative for Global Health, and Dr. Joy Phumaphi, Executive Director of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance.

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