NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global health partnerships and advancing African-led healthcare priorities following the conclusion of the 2026 World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting in Nairobi.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the remarks after hosting World Health Summit President Prof. Dr. Axel Pries, WHS Chief Executive Officer Carsten Schicker, and Prof. Lukoye Atwoli during a courtesy engagement at Afya House in Nairobi.
The meeting reviewed outcomes of the Nairobi summit and explored ways of strengthening collaboration between global health institutions, African governments, and research organisations.
“The discussion provided an opportunity to take stock of and reaffirm the Summit’s value as a platform that bridges science, policy, and practice,” Duale said.
He noted that the engagement also highlighted the need to place African priorities at the centre of global health discussions amid growing health challenges across the continent.
Duale outlined Kenya’s progress in implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), citing investments in community health systems, digital health infrastructure, and epidemic preparedness.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, these reforms are positioning Kenya as both a contributor to and beneficiary of global health innovation.
He further pointed to increasing momentum within continental health initiatives led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Union’s health agenda.
The discussions emphasised the importance of aligning regional health priorities with broader global platforms to improve coordination and resource mobilisation.
Duale also acknowledged the role played by Aga Khan University through its Academic Alliance initiative in strengthening links between research, medical training, and policymaking.
He said such collaborations are important in improving the translation of scientific evidence into public health policy and healthcare reforms.
The meeting additionally explored opportunities for deeper engagement with the World Health Summit process, including amplifying resolutions and outcomes from the Nairobi meeting during future global forums such as the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA).
“Kenya remains committed to partnerships that advance a more inclusive, responsive, and results-oriented global health ecosystem,” Duale said.
Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth also attended the meeting.
The Nairobi WHS Regional Meeting brought together policymakers, researchers, development agencies, and health experts from across the world to discuss emerging health threats, pandemic preparedness, healthcare financing, and equitable access to medical services.
