NAIROBI– Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale on Friday held a high-level bilateral meeting with Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in detecting and responding to public health threats.
The strategic meeting, held in Nairobi, focused on enhancing the timely detection and reporting of health emergencies across Kenya, the Eastern African region, and the continent at large.
Both parties underscored the importance of coordination, collaboration, and investment in resilient public health systems to address increasingly complex health challenges.
“We are committed to deepening our collaboration with Africa CDC to strengthen early warning systems and health emergency responses,” said CS Duale. “Health security is a shared responsibility that requires regional solidarity and action.”
CS Duale also updated the Africa CDC delegation on the progress of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, a flagship component of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Held a bilateral meeting with Africa CDC Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, to strengthen collaboration on early detection and response to public health threats in Kenya the Eastern region and the continent.
We discussed enhanced coordination to tackle emerging health challenges… pic.twitter.com/YH0HVdMDM8
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) April 18, 2025
He emphasized the government’s focus on equitable access, affordable healthcare, and long-term sustainability of the health system.
“Under BETA, we are making significant strides in implementing UHC. Our priority is to ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare without financial hardship,” he added.
Africa CDC, the public health agency of the African Union, plays a pivotal role in supporting Member States to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and response capabilities.
Dr. Kaseya reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with Kenya and other countries to enhance regional health resilience. He praised Kenya’s leadership and vision in shaping a stronger, more sustainable health landscape for Africa.
“We discussed Kenya’s digital rollout of social health insurance, its leadership in local manufacturing, and the critical role of domestic financing in securing long-term impact,” said Dr. Kaseya. “Kenya is helping to shape Africa’s New Public Health Order. I commend CS Duale for his clarity, political will, and results-driven leadership. Africa CDC is proud to stand with Kenya in building a healthier, more resilient continent.” Said Dr Kaseya
Earlier today, I met with @HonAdenDuale, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, for a high-level exchange on the country’s bold strides in public health.
We discussed Kenya’s digital rollout of social health insurance, its leadership in local manufacturing, and the critical role… pic.twitter.com/nMSUhTjl5M
— Dr Jean Kaseya (@Dr_JeanKaseya) April 18, 2025
Public Health Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni accompanied the Cabinet Secretary in the meeting.
