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Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said collaborations and partnerships are critical tools for transformation as they make it possible to implement critical development projects
The ministry of health has pledged to partner with the private sector to accelerate ongoing reforms within the health sector.
Speaking at a Nairobi hotel during a meeting with members of the Kenya National chamber of commerce and industry (KNCCI), health CS Mutahi Kagwe said collaborations and partnerships are critical tools for transformation as they make it possible to implement critical development projects.
“Mnajua waswahili husema,“Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa.” Through collaboration, we have seen the current government implement mega projects in different sectors of the economy,” Kagwe submitted.
Through collaboration, we have seen the current government implement mega projects in different sectors of the economy
He said the covid-19 pandemic saw the ministry of health work with various players in the private sector in fighting the pandemic as well as attaining the Universal Health Coverage.
Citing a programme implemented by the ministry of health in partnership with KNCCI between 2020 and 2021 to support the development and manufacturing of 7.5 Million PPEs as an incentive to promote local manufacturers and producers of fabric, Kagwe said the country has achieved spectacular results which is not only encouraging but also a stamp of approval for collaboration as a tool for economic transformation.
He observed that the demand for quality health care services has led to the growth of business services in the health sector adding that there are numerous opportunities to scale up innovative approaches and new technologies to rapidly accelerate progress toward UHC. This even as he urged the private sector to explore available opportunities in the sector.
“I am fond of encouraging people to think globally. As we position ourselves to take up the opportunities available locally, we must also examine the regional and international environment to see how we can tap into the global market,” noted the health CS.
Speaking during the forum, Chamber president Richard Ngatia lauded the government for its support during the pandemic saying it helped re-engineer local businesses. He said the chamber remains ready to partner with the ministry of health in its efforts to improve the country’s health outcomes.
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Lusaka — African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa—particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent’s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and—most importantly—equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women’s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women’s cancer services into primary health care systems in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. “PEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa”. Côte d’Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage—reaching over three million girls (91.4%)—with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. “This gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women’s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women’s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management”, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics.
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