CS Duale Hosts African Health Ministers, Africa CDC for Strategic Engagement on Strengthening Africa’s Health Systems
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale hosted African Health Ministers and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for a high-level strategic engagement aimed at strengthening Africa’s health systems. The delegation is in Kenya for the just-commenced Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP).
Held under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Health Leaders for Transformational Change” and supported by Africa CDC, MELP brings together health leaders from across the continent to advance Africa’s leadership agenda and accelerate progress in Member States. The programme equips delegates with strategic governance skills, sharpens policy-making, and strengthens health diplomacy within Africa’s evolving health systems and complex geopolitical context.
Hon. Duale briefed the delegation on Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework anchored on four pillars:
1️⃣A well-trained, equitably distributed workforce
2️⃣Modern, accessible health infrastructure
3️⃣Secure, affordable health products and technologies
4️⃣Strong service delivery underpinned by sustainable financing
He highlighted ongoing health sector reforms by the Ministry, including the digitization of health systems and the rollout of the National Equipment Services Programme — initiatives designed to fast-track the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The CS emphasized that Africa’s health sovereignty depends on African-led solutions, backed by political will, sustainable financing, and regional partnerships through platforms such as Africa CDC. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to learning from and sharing with other African nations to strengthen the health sector, stressing Pan-African solidarity in building a healthier, more resilient Africa — by Africa, for Africa.
Dignitaries present included the Minister of Health of the Union of the Comoros, Hon. Ahamadi Sidi; Deputy Minister for Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe, Mr. Suleiman Kwidini; Côte d’Ivoire Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Ennio Maes; Strathmore University Executive Dean, Dr. Caesar Mwangi; Former Minister for Health, Namibia, Dr. Richard Kamwi; Ministry’s Director Health Sector Quality Improvement Coordinator, Dr. Charles Kandie; and CEO NPHI, Dr. Maureen Kamene.