PS Medical Services Meets with Ambassador Lazarus O. Amayo to Discuss Partnership Opportunities

Nairobi, 25th April 2023 - The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai Kachuwai, held a productive meeting today with Ambassador Lazarus O. Amayo, the Kenyan Ambassador to the United States. The meeting took place in the context of the US-Africa Leaders Summit and the United States-Kenya Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, which aim to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in various sectors, including health.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary Kachuwai and Ambassador Amayo discussed potential partnership opportunities in the health sector. They explored areas of cooperation outlined in the negotiated agreements on health cooperation between Kenya and the United States. The discussions focused on key priority areas, including family health, HIV response, commodity security, local manufacturing, the establishment of the National Public Health Institute, and the partnership between national cancer institutes.

Principal Secretary Kachuwai highlighted the progress made in Kenya's health sector, particularly in maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS control, and the establishment of the National Cancer Institute. He expressed the Ministry's commitment to improving the quality of care, reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates, and ensuring equitable access to health services. Principal Secretary Kachuwai emphasized the importance of capacity building, equipment provision, and technical assistance in achieving these goals.

Ambassador Lazarus O. Amayo praised the efforts of the Ministry of Health and acknowledged the strong partnership between Kenya and the United States in the health sector. He reiterated the US government's commitment to supporting Kenya's healthcare goals and expressed the desire to explore further opportunities for collaboration and support.

Both Principal Secretary Kachuwai and Ambassador Amayo agreed on the significance of leveraging the existing bilateral relationship between Kenya and the United States to improve the health and well-being of Kenyan citizens. They reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen health systems, enhance disease control efforts, promote local manufacturing, and advance cancer research.