Kenya and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the health sector, with a focus on advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformative Agenda (BETA).
In a high-level meeting held at Afya House in Nairobi, a UK parliamentary delegation engaged with Kenya’s Ministry of Health leadership to explore ways to expand bilateral support in key healthcare priorities. The discussions emphasized the shared commitment to ensuring accessible, equitable, and quality healthcare services for all Kenyans.
One of the major highlights of the engagement was the recognition of the critical role played by Global Fund grants. These funds have significantly contributed to the provision of user-free access to essential services related to HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. This aligns with Kenya’s Taifa Care Model and the recently introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which are key instruments in delivering sustainable UHC across the country.
Several proposals for enhanced collaboration were brought forward during the session. Top on the list was the promotion of local manufacturing of essential health products and technologies. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports, improve supply chain efficiency, and lower healthcare costs, thereby increasing the availability of life-saving commodities.
The two parties also discussed accelerating the digital transformation of the healthcare system. Integrating digital health solutions will improve data-driven decision-making, enhance patient management, and streamline service delivery, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Another critical area of focus was the establishment of an emergency medical treatment fund. The fund is expected to support urgent medical care, cancer treatment, and emergency referrals, ensuring timely interventions and reducing mortality linked to critical health conditions.
The meeting brought together key figures from both governments, public health experts, and development partners. Their shared vision underscores the strategic importance of international partnerships in achieving health equity and resilience in the face of growing healthcare demands.
This renewed collaboration is set to play a transformative role in strengthening Kenya’s health systems and ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward universal health access.
