Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale recently engaged in bilateral talks with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires H.E. Marc Dillard to discuss strengthening strategic health collaboration between Kenya and the United States. The meeting, which took place in Nairobi on May 8, 2025, was an opportunity to review ongoing U.S. foreign assistance programs and explore avenues for expanding cooperation in the health sector.
The discussions covered several key areas vital to Kenya’s health agenda, including the development of the health workforce, the integration of digital health solutions and information systems, the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and the relationship between climate change and health. These areas are all central to Kenya’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving the overall health outcomes for its citizens.
Hon. Duale expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership between Kenya and the U.S. through various initiatives such as the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). The GHSA supports efforts to strengthen health systems, enhance disease surveillance, and improve emergency response capabilities. This collaboration has been pivotal in helping Kenya build a more resilient and effective healthcare system, especially in the face of emerging health threats.
One of the highlights of the discussions was the acknowledgment of the significant impact of U.S.-funded programs in Kenya, particularly those implemented by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These programs have made a profound difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, significantly reducing the burden of these diseases in Kenya. Hon. Duale emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in all joint health initiatives, reiterating Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that foreign assistance is effectively used to meet the country’s health needs.
In his address, Hon. Duale highlighted the importance of aligning U.S. support with Kenya’s national health strategies. This alignment would ensure that health interventions are not only well-coordinated but also tailored to the specific challenges faced by the country. Both parties agreed that a continued focus on these areas would bolster Kenya’s health systems and contribute to the successful realization of UHC.
The meeting also underscored the need to build a strong health workforce capable of addressing the current and future health challenges in Kenya. There was an emphasis on training and capacity-building programs to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge required to tackle a diverse range of health issues, from infectious diseases to the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Another important topic of discussion was the integration of digital health technologies into Kenya’s healthcare system. Digital health solutions can play a key role in improving health data management, enhancing service delivery, and increasing access to healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The adoption of electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health applications could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Kenya’s health services.
The issue of mental health also featured prominently in the talks. Both sides agreed on the importance of addressing mental health as a critical component of overall health. There was recognition of the rising rates of mental health disorders, particularly among young people, and the need for more resources and support to improve mental health care services in Kenya.
The discussions concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening the partnership between Kenya and the U.S. in the health sector. Hon. Duale expressed confidence that continued collaboration would lead to significant improvements in Kenya’s health outcomes, contributing to the country’s long-term health goals and the achievement of UHC.
