Kenya has reiterated its commitment to enhancing immunisation efforts and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through a robust partnership with the Gavi – Vaccine Alliance. On October 1, 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) hosted a technical mission team from Gavi, led by senior officials Billie-Jean Nieuwenhuys and Daudi Ssali, to discuss the continued cooperation and its positive impact on public health in Kenya.
The meeting, which was held at Afya House, focused on Kenya’s longstanding partnership with Gavi, highlighting its pivotal role in strengthening immunisation as a critical aspect of the country’s healthcare system. The ongoing collaboration aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ensuring that immunisation is central to the country’s economic development and public health strategies.
During the meeting, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, expressed Kenya’s gratitude for Gavi’s contributions in advancing immunisation efforts, which have been crucial in driving the country towards achieving its UHC goals. The partnership with Gavi is seen as an essential element in ensuring the health of the population, reducing preventable diseases, and improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of working closely with other key stakeholders such as UNICEF and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to strengthen immunisation coverage across the country. These collaborations are intended to ensure that immunisation remains a key pillar of Kenya’s public health strategy, which not only improves health outcomes but also serves as a driver of economic transformation.
In addition to the strategic discussions, the meeting underscored the shared vision of building a healthier and more prosperous nation by providing equitable access to essential health services for all Kenyans. The partnership with Gavi aims to enhance the availability of vaccines, increase immunisation rates, and reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in underserved regions.
Dr. Rose Jalango, the Head of the National Vaccines and Immunisation Programme, was also present to further reinforce the government’s commitment to improving immunisation and advancing UHC. Through continued collaboration with Gavi, Kenya is poised to make significant strides in its efforts to create a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system.
