Kenya is looking for international partnerships as it seeks to cement its foothold as a regional centre of excellence for health.

Speaking during a meeting with Brazilian ambassador to Kenya Silvio Albuquerque, who had paid him a courtesy call in his office, health cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya has enhanced its capacity over the last ten years through increased investment in the health sector. “We have perhaps done more in ten years than we had done since independence. The Coronavirus pandemic that hit the world about two years ago has even resulted in more investments especially in terms of ICU beds and Oxygen” observed the health CS.

He said Kenya remains ready to partner with Brazil within the framework of the Kenya – Brazil Joint Commission for Cooperation in areas such as public health laboratories, regulation of diagnostics, cancer management and the universal health coverage. “What we need from Brazil is understanding how UHC works and understanding how the financing model works. We reverted to a system of health insurance to ensure every individual gets cover. Those who can pay do so while those who can’t get paid for by the government.” Added Kagwe.

Speaking during the meeting, the Brazilian Ambassador said the two countries have much to learn from each other’s experiences as they set on the next level of bilateral cooperation. “I envisage a great area of cooperation between our two countries in the health sector. We should have a focus on public institutions especially in cancer prevention and treatment. The cancer institute in Rio de Janeiro would be a perfect point of reference.” Said ambassador Albuquerque.

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Kisumu County Referral Hospital in Kenya are engaged in discussions with Barretos cancer hospital and Detronix from Brazil on areas of cooperation in education and training, cancer patient’s care, resource mobilization, cancer support infrastructure, production of prosthetics, affordable cervical cancer equipment, wellness facilities as well as transfer of knowledge and experiences.