At the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva on May 22, 2025, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, participated in a pivotal high-level ministerial side event focused on accelerating universal health coverage across Africa. The event, themed “Accelerating Universal Health Coverage: Mobilising Resources for Health Equity and Sustainability in Africa,” provided a vital platform for discussing transformative strategies to strengthen healthcare systems throughout the continent.
In his keynote remarks, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted Kenya’s significant strides in advancing health equity through innovative reforms. Central to these reforms is the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme, designed to replace the existing National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). This progressive initiative aims to overhaul healthcare access in Kenya by ensuring it is inclusive and far-reaching, covering all citizens regardless of age, location, or economic status.
Hon. Duale explained that the new SHA and SHI frameworks mark a major departure from the limitations of the former NHIF. While NHIF primarily served the formally employed sector, the updated system broadens coverage comprehensively, extending healthcare access to informal workers, marginalized communities, and other previously underserved populations. This inclusive approach is a critical step toward dismantling barriers that have historically impeded universal health coverage, ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing quality health services.
The Cabinet Secretary also emphasized the enthusiastic reception of these reforms by the Kenyan public, who have welcomed the enhanced coverage and improved benefits offered under SHA and SHI. This positive response reflects growing trust in the government’s commitment to healthcare equity and its resolve to transform the health sector to meet the diverse needs of its population.
Beyond Kenya’s domestic reforms, the discussion also focused heavily on the evolving landscape of global health financing. Hon. Duale underscored the urgency for African nations to explore innovative financing mechanisms that can sustain and expand healthcare coverage in the face of shifting donor priorities and limited resources. He called on African countries to harness strategic partnerships and leverage catalytic funding opportunities to build resilient health systems.
The Cabinet Secretary particularly highlighted the role of the Global Fund as a complementary partner in these efforts. He urged African governments to devise strategies that fully utilize the Fund’s catalytic resources to boost domestic health investments and enhance sustainability. By integrating global support with national reforms and financing innovations, African countries can accelerate progress toward universal health coverage and ensure equitable access to essential health services.
The ministerial side event was hosted by the Executive Director of the Global Fund, bringing together an impressive roster of health leaders and experts. Among the distinguished participants were the Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Deputy Permanent Representative for Global Health, and the Executive Director of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance. Their collective insights emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustained political commitment in driving Africa’s health agenda forward.
Overall, the event underscored a shared vision for health equity and sustainability across the continent. Kenya’s experience with SHA and SHI provides a promising model of inclusive health reform, demonstrating how policy innovation can expand access and improve health outcomes. The conversations also illuminated the critical need for novel financing approaches that complement domestic reforms and global partnerships, ensuring that Africa can build robust health systems capable of meeting current and future challenges.
As African countries navigate this transformative journey, the message was clear: universal health coverage is achievable through inclusive policies, strategic financing, and strong partnerships. By continuing to prioritize health equity and mobilize resources effectively, the continent can make lasting progress toward sustainable, accessible healthcare for all its people.
