Kenya Explores Partnership to Expand Access to Essential Antibiotics and Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Efforts to improve access to lifesaving antibiotics while addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could receive a boost through potential collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Aranda.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga held discussions with Aranda Chief Executive Officer Dr. Angus L. C. O’Shea, who paid him a courtesy call at his office, to explore sustainable approaches to improving antibiotic access, strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and supporting Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
The meeting followed earlier discussions between the two leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in . Dr. Oluga emphasised that expanding access to essential antibiotics must be accompanied by stronger diagnostic capacity, surveillance, responsible prescribing and effective antimicrobial stewardship to safeguard the effectiveness of medicines and improve patient outcomes.
He welcomed innovative financing and healthcare delivery models that offer sustainable solutions while strengthening existing national and county health systems. He stressed that any proposed collaboration should complement established structures, including the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) and the Social Health Authority (SHA), rather than create parallel systems.
The meeting also reviewed Aranda’s ongoing scoping mission in Kenya, involving engagements with KEMSA, SHA and the county governments of Nairobi, Kiambu and Murang’a. Dr. Oluga encouraged the organisation to develop evidence-based recommendations tailored to Kenya’s healthcare needs, outlining potential areas of collaboration, implementation approaches, financing arrangements and expected public health outcomes. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating further engagement, guided by affordability, sustainability, public health impact and value for money.
The Aranda delegation included Dr. Goabaone Rankgoane-Pono. Also present were Kenya BioVax Institute Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wesley Rono and Dr. Josea Rono of E & K Consulting.