Health CS meets US ambassador over collaboration

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa on Wednesday hosted US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman.

The meeting centered around enhancing health collaboration between Kenya and the US.

The two leaders with their teams discussed a range of issues, including integrating HIV services into primary healthcare, boosting global health security, and establishing the Kenyan National Public Health Institute.

"The discussions also covered joint malaria reduction efforts, healthcare infrastructure, and research," said an update from the Ministry of Health.

"The US pledged significant support for Kenya’s digital health infrastructure, marking a major step in advancing healthcare systems."

The CS is taking her first steps in the Ministry, having assumed office recently after her swearing in.

She took over from Susan Nakhumicha who was part of President William Ruto's dissolved cabinet.

CS Barasa also hosted a delegation from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kate Hampton.

The discussions focused on scaling up community health initiatives, digitization, performance management, and maternal and newborn health, all aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

CS Barasa expressed gratitude to CIFF for their support in equipping Community Health Promoters (CHPs) with kits, providing training, and establishing Primary Care Networks.

This week, the CS along with Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni and Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, toured key health facilities, including Kenyatta National Hospital, to assess preparedness for the Mpox outbreak.

Dr. Barasa assured the public that the government is well-equipped to handle the situation, and emphasized the importance of preventive measures such as regular handwashing.

She also highlighted the success of surveillance efforts, with over 300,000 travelers screened and all suspected cases testing negative.

Dr. Barasa expressed gratitude to healthcare workers and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to keeping the public informed.