Latest news with #AdenDuale
The Star
6 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Kenya vaccinates over 21 mln children against typhoid, measles
NAIROBI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has vaccinated some 21.3 million children against typhoid and measles in its latest campaign against the two infectious diseases, the biggest vaccination drive in the East African nation's history, a government official has said. Aden Duale, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Health, said in a statement released on Tuesday evening in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that 16.1 million children received typhoid conjugate vaccine, and 5.18 million children were vaccinated against measles and rubella. "Over 74,000 zero-dose children who had never received routine immunization were identified and vaccinated, a remarkable milestone in our efforts not to leave anyone behind," Duale said. He said that the typhoid vaccine has achieved 84 percent national coverage while the measles vaccine reached 81 percent. The typhoid vaccine has now been incorporated in Kenya's national vaccination drive to fight drug-resistant forms of the disease, the Ministry of Health said. According to the World Health Organization, typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which spreads through contaminated food and water, while measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale Leads Launch of Health Facility Digitalization
Today in Garissa County, Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale presided over the launch of Health Facility Digitalization, marking a major milestone in Kenya's journey toward a fully digitized health system. As part of the launch, 1,114 digital devices were delivered to public health facilities across Garissa County to bolster service delivery, improve record-keeping, and enhance accountability. Kenyans can now access their health records from anywhere in the country through the newly established Health Information Exchange (HIE) system—providing a secure, unified platform that captures both patient and provider data to support continuity of care. Hon. Duale emphasized the impact of digitization, noting that it has already led to the closure of 875 non-compliant facilities by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and eliminated over 3 million fraudulent NHIF records. Only licensed and accredited facilities will now be empanelled under the Social Health Authority (SHA). The CS highlighted that through the Comprehensive Integrated Health Information System, the Ministry is digitizing patient records, prescriptions, and facility transactions—transforming the health system from the ground up by improving transparency, reducing fraud, and streamlining service delivery. While addressing the community at the close of the 5-day Free Medical Camp, Hon. Duale also: •Rallied the local population to register under the SHA and embrace Taifa Care, a major health sector reform to strengthen Universal Health Coverage (UHC). •Announced that 367 health workers in Garissa have already been trained on digital systems, with a target of training 1,700 across the countye. •Confirmed that over 74,000 digital devices will be distributed nationally to ensure public facilities are equipped to match the standards of the private sector. He further affirmed that Kenya's Digital Health Superhighway will allow young people and families to register, access health services, and track care directly from their mobile phones—ensuring no one is left behind. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Bolsters Immunisation Drive as Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon. Aden Duale Flags Off 6.2 Million Vaccine Doses to Counties
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today flagged off 3 million doses of BCG (used to prevent tuberculosis) and 3.2 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at Afya House, Nairobi, marking a major boost to Kenya's national immunisation programme. During the flag-off, the CS called on all county governments—through the Council of Governors (CoG) and their County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Health—to prioritise the collection of the vaccines from regional depots and ensure timely distribution to health facilities, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Hon. Duale commended the government for moving with urgency to facilitate the delivery of the vaccines, describing it as a strong demonstration of Kenya's commitment to safeguarding the health of its children. He acknowledged immunisation partners, including UNICEF, for their rapid procurement and delivery of the vaccines, and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to minimise disruptions and sustain the country's immunisation momentum. Parents and Caregivers across the country are encouraged to visit local health facilities to have their children vaccinated and catch up on any missed doses. The CS was joined by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, CoG CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon. Aden Duale Briefs Parliament on Social Health Insurance Tariff Regulations at Bunge Towers
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Hon. Samuel Chepkonga, to discuss the Social Health Insurance (Tariffs for Healthcare Services) Regulations, 2025 (Legal Notice No. 56 of 2025). The session was held at Bunge Towers, Nairobi. During the engagement, Hon. Duale provided a comprehensive briefing on the scope of services covered under the tariff structure, anchored on the three key health funds established under the Social Health Authority: Primary Health Care Fund – Supports access to preventive and basic healthcare services, with a focus on community-level interventions, disease prevention, and health education. Social Health Insurance Fund – Provides coverage for essential medical services, targeting routine and necessary treatments to ensure members receive comprehensive healthcare. Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illnesses Fund – Offers financial protection for high-cost and urgent medical needs, including long-term and specialised care. The CS also explained the use of means testing during SHA registration to determine eligibility for government support based on income and assets. He highlighted the Lipa SHA Pole Pole initiative—an instalment-based contribution model—and the planned shift from monthly to annual payment cycles to enhance flexibility and compliance. Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to good governance, transparency, and robust public participation in the formulation of statutory instruments, in line with the Statutory Instruments Act, Cap. 2A. He was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Social Health Authority CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale, United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner Wigan Discuss Strengthening Health Collaboration
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held discussions with British High Commissioner H.E. Neil Wigan at Afya House, Nairobi, reaffirming the strong partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom in responding to Kenya's evolving health needs. The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including emerging infectious diseases, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and regional disparities in maternal and child health; challenges that require joint innovation and global solidarity. The two leaders explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aligned with the government's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) priorities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Areas of engagement include health workforce development, health systems strengthening, research and innovation, public health and disease surveillance, and engagement with the diaspora and public sector. CS Duale expressed Kenya's appreciation for the UK's longstanding support to the health sector, noting that the strengthened partnership will enhance health commodity security, support the expansion of financial risk protection, and promote the use of digital innovations in healthcare delivery. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, was also present at the meeting. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
