Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, convened a pivotal meeting in Nairobi with key stakeholders in Kenya’s health sector to chart a sustainability roadmap for the country’s HIV, TB, and Malaria programs. The meeting brought together leadership from the National Syndemic Disease Control Council and heads of the respective disease programs to explore strategic actions to secure the long-term viability of these essential public health interventions.
The discussions centered on developing a clear framework for domestic resource mobilization as external donor support continues to shrink. Stakeholders acknowledged that while international partners have played a critical role in financing disease control programs, the time had come to strengthen Kenya’s internal capacity to fund and manage its public health priorities sustainably.
Among the immediate-term strategies discussed was the integration of disease-specific interventions into the broader primary health care system to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication. This would involve aligning program delivery with the Universal Health Coverage agenda, thus leveraging existing health infrastructure and workforce to drive impact.
In the medium term, stakeholders proposed innovative financing mechanisms such as earmarked taxes, private sector engagement, and public-private partnerships. These mechanisms are expected to enhance funding predictability and broaden the base of financial support for health programs. Additionally, discussions highlighted the importance of revisiting policy frameworks to create an enabling environment for increased domestic investment in health.
Long-term sustainability efforts were also emphasized, with calls for institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and data-driven decision-making. Participants noted that sustainability extends beyond financial resources to include resilient systems capable of adapting to emerging public health challenges. The role of research, community engagement, and capacity-building in sustaining gains made in the fight against HIV, TB, and malaria was equally highlighted.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to align their plans and resources with a shared vision of sustainability. It was agreed that a detailed implementation plan will be developed to guide the transition from donor dependency to self-reliance. This includes setting clear milestones, establishing performance indicators, and fostering continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure coordinated efforts across national and county levels.
The convening served as a crucial step in reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to maintaining momentum in the fight against the three diseases, while also laying the foundation for long-term, self-sustaining health systems. Stakeholders expressed optimism that with strategic planning, political will, and multi-sectoral collaboration, the country can achieve sustainable outcomes in public health.
