Cabinet Secretary for Health Susan Nakhumicha recently participated in high-level discussions hosted by the US Department of State.
These discussions involved leaders from Global Health Security and Diplomacy as well as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The meeting likely addressed key issues related to global health security, diplomatic efforts, and strategies for combating AIDS relief, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing these critical health challenges.
“The meeting focused on advancing global health security and the sustainability of HIV/AIDS programs in the context of Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” MOH said.
“The discussions emphasised the implementation of UHC and the critical role that Community Health Providers (CHPs) play in protecting communities from diseases, thereby contributing to both national and global health security,” it added.
During the talks, the discussion delved into the implications of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on the long-term sustainability of HIV/AIDS programs.
The meeting saw the participation of notable figures from both the US and Kenyan sides.
From the US side, attendees included Ambassador Dr. John Nkengasong, US Global AIDS Coordinator; Dr. Hillary Carter, Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for Health Security and Diplomacy; Dr. Rebecca Bunnell, Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for PEPFAR; Brian Rettmann, PEPFAR Coordinator for Kenya; and Dr. Desmond Williams, Health Attaché at the US Embassy in Nairobi.
The Kenyan delegation comprised Dr. Patrick Amoth, Acting Director General for Health; Prof. Elijah Songok, Acting Director General and CEO of KEMRI; Dr. Erick Muok, Principal Research Scientist at KEMRI; Dr. Jean Gitau, Head of the Division of International Health Relations and Global Health Security; and Justus Bundi.
These discussions likely provided a platform for exchanging insights and strategies to address the intersection of UHC and HIV/AIDS programs, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing global health initiatives.
