Kenya Deepens Engagement with WHO Regional Leadership at World Health Summit Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya - 28 April 2026 - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today hosted senior leadership from the World Health Organization on the sidelines of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its health system and advancing shared continental priorities.
The meeting brought together WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, and WHO Kenya Country Representative, Dr. Neema Kimambo.
Discussions focused on Kenya’s ongoing health sector reforms under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with Universal Health Coverage at the centre—anchored on resilient systems, equitable access, and sustainable financing.
The engagement also addressed the evolving global health landscape, including fiscal constraints and geopolitical pressures, with emphasis on practical, partnership-driven solutions to sustain progress.
Key areas of cooperation included Kenya’s drive to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory advancement through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, and continued leadership in global health diplomacy to ensure African priorities are effectively represented.
The meeting further explored opportunities to deepen South–South and Africa–Europe collaboration, particularly in health workforce development, digital health, technology transfer, and building more equitable and resilient health supply chains.
Regional health security, especially within the Horn of Africa, featured prominently, alongside Kenya’s commitment to integrating traditional medicine into the national health system with WHO support.
The engagement reaffirmed shared priorities aimed at building stronger, more resilient, and self-reliant health systems.
The Cabinet Secretary was joined by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and other Ministry officials.