High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention and Response: Global Leaders Unite for a Healthier Future

New York, 21st September 2023 - Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha S. Wafula, highlighted Kenya's strategic approach to health resilience at the 78th High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention and Response. She emphasized the adoption of a primary healthcare model aimed at strengthening the nation's readiness to address health crises. 

 

The CS who was representing President William Ruto at the event underscored Kenya's unwavering commitment to enhancing global health resilience through a series of proactive measures. She noted that Kenya's dedication to health resilience is exemplified by the establishment of the Kenya Biovax Institute. 

 

“This institution is tasked with manufacturing both routine and specialized vaccines and biological products, aligning with the evolving health needs of the nation and the African continent,” she note. 

 

Additionally, the CS highlighted the pivotal aspect of Kenya's commitment, which involves regional collaboration with health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). She stated, “Kenya's active involvement in strengthening the WHO Regional Emergency Logistics Hub and the Africa CDC Regional Office, both based in Nairobi, demonstrates our proactive approach in enhancing regional health capabilities.” 

 

Furthermore, she noted that Kenya's efforts extend to training over 150 Kenyan professionals to join the Africa Volunteer Health Corps in collaboration with WHO and Africa CDC. This initiative underscores Kenya's role in building a cadre of experts ready to respond to health emergencies across the African continent.
The meeting resonated with a call for health equity, championing the idea that access to healthcare should be a universal right, not a privilege.