Kenya has made a strong appeal to the international community for the urgent adoption of a new global pandemic treaty and the swift finalisation of its annex on technology and benefit sharing. The call was made during the 78th World Health Assembly currently underway in Geneva, where global health leaders have convened to assess progress and shape future health priorities.
Describing the treaty as a landmark achievement, Kenya emphasised the importance of global cooperation in preparing for and responding to future health emergencies. The treaty, which has been years in the making, is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring that all countries, particularly those in the developing world, are better equipped to handle public health threats.
Kenya underlined the need for fairness and equity in the global health system, urging countries to finalise the annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS). The annex is designed to ensure that nations sharing pathogens also receive a fair share of the resulting medical technologies, such as vaccines and treatments, developed using those samples.
This annex is considered particularly important for developing nations, which often contribute vital biological samples but do not always benefit from the medical advances made using those samples. Kenya stressed that completing the annex would promote a more balanced global health framework where no country is left behind.
In line with the theme of the assembly, “One World, One Health,” Kenya echoed a joint position presented on behalf of the 47 member states of the Africa Region, calling for inclusive strategies that prioritise equity and solidarity.
Kenya also voiced support for a proposed 20 per cent increase in assessed contributions to the World Health Organisation’s budget. Despite tighter fiscal environments globally, the country believes that the current reforms in WHO operations will lead to greater effectiveness, allowing more to be achieved with fewer resources. The increase in funding is seen as necessary to maintain WHO’s ability to lead and coordinate global health responses, especially in times of crisis.
A warning was also issued against the growing trend of unilateralism in international health matters. Kenya expressed concern over a shift away from multilateral approaches and emphasised the importance of collective action. It noted that recent developments indicate an erosion of shared commitment to addressing global health challenges collaboratively.
The country reaffirmed its own dedication to improving national health outcomes through its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. This includes initiatives such as the deployment of community health promoters across the country and the establishment of a Social Health Authority to help finance affordable healthcare for all citizens. These reforms are designed to advance universal health coverage and reduce health inequalities.
Kenya also used the platform to speak out against violence in conflict zones, particularly attacks on health workers and medical facilities. It joined the global call for increased humanitarian access to the Gaza region, underlining the need to protect health workers and ensure that civilians in crisis zones receive essential medical aid without delay.
With a strong emphasis on solidarity, fairness, and preparedness, Kenya’s intervention at the World Health Assembly reinforced its commitment to shaping a more equitable and resilient global health system. The country urged fellow delegates to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the pandemic treaty and its accompanying annex are adopted without delay, highlighting the shared responsibility of nations in safeguarding the health of future generations.
