CS Health Aden Duale has called for closer collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate Universal Health Coverage and reforms.
He cited registration of 29.6 million Kenyans under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and outlined measures to strengthen supply chains, maternal health accountability and emergency preparedness.
Speaking on Wednesday, he said the bilateral meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to advance UHC and improve health system performance.
During the discussions, Duale highlighted progress under UHC, including the “registration of 29.6 million Kenyans under the Social Health Authority (SHA).”
He also pointed to expanded maternal and newborn health interventions in high-burden counties, strengthened referral systems and integrated health information platforms.
The Cabinet Secretary said the government is enhancing oversight and efficiency at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, strengthening supply chains and working towards WHO Maturity Level 3 by June 2026.
These measures, he noted, are aimed at improving regulatory systems and ensuring more efficient delivery of medical supplies.
As part of accountability reforms, the CS announced that a national hotline will allow citizens to report maternal deaths in health facilities, supported by sustained civic engagement.
The initiative is designed to promote transparency and community involvement in improving maternal healthcare outcomes.
He further explained that the Health Sector Compact is being aligned with the National Health Financing Framework to advance results-based financing.
Follow-up engagements on the financing framework are ongoing in Japan, reflecting broader efforts to mobilise international partnerships for sustainable health reforms.
Duale commended World Bank-supported initiatives, including the “Building Resilient and Responsive Health Systems (BREHS) Project” and the “Health Emergencies Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) Project.”
He said these programmes are strengthening UHC systems, primary healthcare, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) services, vaccine manufacturing, regulatory standards and epidemic preparedness.”
The discussions also centred on enhancing Kenya’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies and strengthening primary healthcare systems across the country.
“As we deepen this strategic partnership, we aim to leverage the World Bank's expertise in digital transformation, fast-track maternal and newborn health outcomes, facilitate knowledge exchange, and request an extension of the HEPRR Project to September 2030 with enhanced safeguards and accelerated disbursement, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable, results-driven health sector reforms,” Duale said.
The proposed extension of the HEPRR Project to September 2030 would provide additional time and safeguards to consolidate gains made in emergency preparedness and resilience.
It would also accelerate disbursement of funds to support priority interventions.
Officials present at the meeting included Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Patrick Amoth and other Ministry officials.
The engagement reaffirms Kenya’s push to consolidate reforms under the UHC framework, with millions already registered under the Social Health Authority.
By aligning external support with domestic priorities, the Ministry of Health aims to strengthen accountability, financing and service delivery systems.
Duale’s remarks signal a continued focus on measurable outcomes, system efficiency and international collaboration in advancing healthcare access and resilience.
