Cabinet Secretary For Health Participates In PEPFAR COP Planning In Johannesburg
Johannesburg (South Africa) March 3, 2023.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Nakhumicha S. Wafula, is currently in Johannesburg, South Africa, participating in the COP planning for HIV/AIDS response for the period 2023-2024 with the PEPFAR Global team. The team is led by the U.S. Ambassador for PEPFAR, as well as Kenyan colleagues, including CS Prof Njuguna Ndungu from the Treasury, PS Eng Peter Tum from the Ministry of Health, and H.E Governor Muthomi Njuki from the Council of Governors.
During the planning session, the Cabinet Secretary reiterated the Kenyan government's commitment to dialogue that is focused on delivering Universal Health Care. In her remarks, Dr. Nakhumicha noted that the Constitution, in Article 43 (1) (a), guarantees each Kenyan citizen the right to access the highest attainable standard of healthcare, including reproductive health care.
Dr. Wafula further emphasized Kenya's commitment to ending HIV/AIDS as a disease of public health importance by 2030. She highlighted the need for a disruptive change in strategy to address new HIV infections among young people. The Cabinet Secretary also reiterated the government's commitment to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The PEPFAR COP planning session provides an opportunity for Kenya and its partners to collaborate and strategize on how to improve HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care in the country. The Kenyan government is working closely with its partners to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.
As the COP planning session continues, the Cabinet Secretary remains committed to ensuring that Kenya's response to HIV/AIDS is evidence-based and in line with international best practices. Through partnerships and collaboration, the Kenyan government is determined to achieve its goal of delivering Universal Health Care and ending HIV/AIDS as a public health concern.