NAIROBI– Kenya’s Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through improved healthcare access for refugees and migrant populations.
This came during a strategic engagement between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), led by Chief of Mission Mr. John MacCue.
The high-level meeting focused on deepening collaboration between the Ministry and IOM to strengthen health systems, particularly in regions with high mobility and cross-border movement.
Key issues discussed included enhancing the registration of migrants and refugees to ensure their integration into the national health system and improve access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
“Our government is determined to leave no one behind in the UHC agenda,” said CS Duale. “That includes strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring that both migrants and the host communities receive equitable, quality healthcare.”
Health CS Hon. Aden Duale today met IOM Chief of Mission Mr. John MacCue to explore collaboration in improving healthcare access for migrants and refugees in Kenya. The CS reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for their registration into the national health system under UHC. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/9mRfOUvuJy
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) June 23, 2025
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted plans to bolster the Ministry’s regulatory role in healthcare delivery, particularly in ensuring standards are maintained in areas with large refugee and migrant populations.
In response, IOM reiterated its support for Kenya’s health agenda, announcing plans to collaborate with the Ministry on a population mobility mapping exercise.
The initiative will help pinpoint vulnerable areas at heightened risk of cross-border disease transmission, including threats like Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Insights from the mapping will guide the deployment of targeted public health interventions and resource allocation.
To enhance long-term preparedness, IOM also committed to supporting the Ministry in capacity building for disease detection, response, and recovery. Ministry officials will be trained and tasked with cascading the knowledge to personnel at key points of entry and counties prone to public health threats.
The meeting also reaffirmed ongoing operational and technical cooperation under existing memoranda of understanding, with a renewed focus on collaborative action for disease preparedness, response, and sustainable health system resilience.
This strategic engagement reflects Kenya’s broader commitment to international cooperation in health, particularly in managing health needs along migration corridors and upholding the health rights of all people within its borders.
