Kenya Hosts AFCFTA-Anchored Pharma Initiative Conference

𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚, 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha S. Wafula, has emphasized the critical challenge of providing affordable healthcare in Africa due to high medicine costs. 

She stressed the importance of the AFCFTA-Anchored Pharmaceutical Initiative in reducing pharmaceutical expenses and enhancing product quality and safety. 

Nakhumicha made these remarks during the official opening of the AFCFTA-Anchored Pharma Initiative Senior Officials & Ministerial Conference on Centralized Pooled Procurement Mechanism held in Mombasa on May 15. 

 Furthermore, she reiterated Kenya's commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and highlighted government efforts to lower healthcare costs, especially through promoting local production. 

Nakhumicha also praised Kenya's recent ratification of the Treaty on the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), affirming the country's support for regulatory alignment in Africa. 

 Additionally, she expressed Kenya's dedication to supporting local manufacturing, aligning with President H.E Dr. William Ruto's advocacy for boosting Africa's health product manufacturing capacity.

Nakhumicha emphasized the AFCFTA-Anchored Pharmaceutical Initiative's role in improving access to essential medicines and commodities, particularly for maternal, neonatal, and child health. 

 She reaffirmed Kenya's full backing for the initiative, aimed at ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and quality medical products across Africa.