Latest news with #AdenDuale
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Kenya: Ministry of Health and Roche Partner to Cut Breast Cancer Treatment Costs by Two-Thirds
Breast cancer patients in Kenya are set to benefit from a major cost reduction in treatment, with sessions expected to drop from KES 120,000 to KES 40,000 following a landmark partnership between the Ministry of Health and Roche East Africa. Presiding over the event, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale officially launched the collaboration between the Ministry—through the Social Health Authority (SHA)—and Roche East Africa. This partnership aims to strengthen financial protection for patients battling cancer, one of Kenya's leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in line with the country's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a bold step toward improving access to affordable, quality cancer care, particularly for breast cancer patients. Under the agreement, the cost per treatment session is capped at KES 40,000, with no co-payment required from patients. The partnership will be rolled out across all SHA-contracted facilities—including public, faith-based, and private hospitals—ensuring equitable access to care. Key components of the collaboration include: Enhanced access to essential cancer medicines and diagnostics Capacity-building and training for healthcare workers in breast and cervical cancer management Expanded screening and early detection efforts to support timely intervention and better health outcomes In his remarks, Hon. Duale reiterated the Ministry's commitment to transforming Kenya's health system, highlighting ongoing reforms such as the rollout of digital health tools to combat counterfeit medicines and unqualified practitioners. 'This partnership is not only about reducing treatment costs; it's about saving lives, promoting equity, and reinforcing the integrity of our healthcare system,' said the Cabinet Secretary. The event was attended by a high-level delegation led by Roche East Africa General Manager Ms. Jacqueline Wambua. Also present were Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed, Acting SHA CEO Mr. Robert Ingasira, Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Dr. Fred Siyoi, and KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale Visits Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) to Fast-Track Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Rollout and Celebrate Nurses' Contribution to Milestone Surgeries
As part of efforts to strengthen the health sector under Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today visited Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) to assess progress in accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Hosted by the hospital's Board of Directors, chaired by Sen. Kembi Gitura, Hon. Duale held a consultative meeting with the hospital's senior management, where he received a briefing on key services offered and performance updates under the Social Health Authority (SHA) compared to the former NHIF scheme. The updates highlighted adjustments in coverage rates, including open-heart surgery now at Ksh 952,000 under SHA from Ksh 450,000, dialysis rising from Ksh 9,500 to Ksh 10,650 per session, and PET/SPECT scans increasing from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 53,500. The CS toured key departments including the Cancer Centre Annex, Chemotherapy Unit, CyberKnife, and Transplant ICU, and was briefed on the facility's achievements and challenges. The hospital management appealed for increased government support to operationalize the New Cancer Centre, requesting an expanded budget from Ksh 100 million to Ksh 250 million, acquisition of an additional LINAC machine, strengthened referral policies, and timely SHA reimbursements—all critical to enhancing service delivery under the Taifa Care Model. Commending KUTRRH for milestones such as the successful completion of its first two kidney transplants, Hon. Duale urged the management to accelerate UHC implementation, maintain high standards of professionalism, and intensify efforts to mobilize patients and communities for SHA registration. Crowning the International Nurses Week 2025,the CS was honored to handover certificates to the nurses that facilitated the first two successful kidney transplant surgeries aligned with ethics and procedures as required by the law. He reiterated the Ministry's support and called for strict adherence to integrity, accountability, and compliance with legal requirements in staffing, procurement, and financial management. The CS was accompanied by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Head of Nursing and Midwifery Services Dr. Judith Awinja, and KUTRRH CEO Dr. Zeinab Gura, Deputy Director Clinical Services Dr. Onyimbo Kerama among other senior officials. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Kenya launches cloud-based portal to improve vaccine delivery
NAIROBI, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health launched a cloud-based portal on Wednesday to ensure that vaccines are delivered across the country seamlessly. Aden Duale, cabinet secretary in the ministry, said the Kenya Electronic National Vaccine and Immunization Portal will build a comprehensive and real-time repository for vaccine and immunization data management. "This is an innovative digital platform that will enhance decision-making and increase visibility, traceability, accountability, and effectiveness in vaccine service delivery countrywide," Duale said during the inauguration of the portal in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. According to Duale, the portal is aimed at strengthening Kenya's immunization infrastructure while protecting the health of children and other vulnerable demographics. He added that a concrete plan is in place to facilitate the transition of the data repository to the government's data center. Meanwhile, Duale flagged off the distribution of 2,000 cold chain equipment to boost primary healthcare in the country. He said the cold chain equipment, which are refrigerators, is powered by solar and electricity along with accessories like cold boxes and temperature monitors, adding that the government has invested 16 million U.S. dollars to boost disease surveillance and prevention. Duale said the country is now equipped to reach every child with life-saving vaccines, regardless of their geographical location, economic status, or infrastructural challenges. He stressed that investing in a robust immunization program is key to dealing with emerging health challenges while inching closer to the realization of universal health coverage in Kenya.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale Engages United States (U.S.) Charge d'Affaires on Strategic Health Collaboration
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale held bilateral talks with U.S. Chargé d'Affaires H.E. Marc Dillard to strengthen strategic health collaboration and review ongoing U.S. foreign assistance to Kenya. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas such as health workforce development, digital health and information systems, non-communicable diseases, mental health, and the climate-health nexus—all central to Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. Hon. Duale welcomed continued partnership through the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), which supports health system strengthening, disease surveillance, and emergency response. He acknowledged the impact of U.S.-funded programs, including PEPFAR, USAID, and CDC, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria. He reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in all joint health initiatives. The U.S. expressed readiness to align its support with Kenya's health strategies to enhance the country's health systems. The CS was joined by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director of Family Health Dr. Bashir Isaak, Dr. Bashir Issak, Head Directorate of Family Health and Head of NASCOP Dr. Andrew Mulwa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale Leads Consultative Meeting on Operationalizing Kenya National Public Health Institute
Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale today convened a consultative meeting with technical heads at the Ministry of Health to discuss the operationalization of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI). The KNPHI will be anchored on five strategic pillars: Surveillance and health security, Emergency preparedness and response, Laboratory strengthening ,Public health research and Public health workforce development. These pillars are designed to strengthen Kenya's public health system, promote equity, and enhance preparedness for infectious disease threats. CS Duale emphasized the need to build a responsive, people-centered health system that fosters trust and improves national health outcomes. 'The prosperity of any nation is measured by the health of its citizens,' he stated. He also underscored the importance of a transparent and factual flow of information, grounded in integrity and professionalism, especially as the Ministry moves forward with reforms to support the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Present at the meeting were Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), along with the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
