Kenya–Korea Partnership Advances Maternal and Child Health Agenda
Nairobi, Kenya - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale held a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, H.E. Hyung-Shik, to strengthen cooperation in the health sector, with a key focus on maternal and child health.
Discussions highlighted Korea International Cooperation Agency’s ongoing support, including the $14 million “Mamtoto” Project (2025–2030), which will establish a Level 5 specialised medical centre in Kitengela, Kajiado County, aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
The CS also noted progress under the $6.05 million Health System Strengthening Project (2021–2026), which is expanding access to quality care for over 242,000 residents in Kajiado through strengthened emergency response systems and community health workforce capacity, alongside sustained post-project support.
Collaboration with UNICEF on WASH programmes in Turkana is further improving water, sanitation, and hygiene services to support better maternal and child health outcomes under the “Leaving No One Behind” agenda.
The engagement reaffirmed the growing Kenya–Korea partnership, with expanded cooperation in vaccine manufacturing and technology transfer involving SK Bioscience, as well as ongoing collaboration with the International Vaccine Institute in vaccine research and development.
The meeting also recognised contributions from institutions including Inha University Hospital and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in emergency medical training, research, and biomedical innovation.
Both sides underscored priorities around strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing through Kenya BioVax Institute, advancing digital health, building a resilient health workforce, and enhancing pandemic preparedness—aligned to Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda under the Social Health Authority.