Latest news with #Duale
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
28-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale Urges Kenyans to Enroll in New Social Health Authority Scheme
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has called on Kenyans to register in large numbers under the new Social Health Authority (SHA) to access universal health coverage. Speaking at a fundraising event for Harhosa Mixed Day Secondary School at Moyale Baraza Park in Marsabit County, Hon. Duale emphasized that the SHA system allows individuals to register up to four wives and an unlimited number of children, provided they can prove dependency. Hon. Duale noted that SHA provides comprehensive coverage for all Kenyans, a significant improvement over the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which was primarily designed for employed citizens. He stressed that the shift towards a more inclusive model is essential to ensure every Kenyan can access affordable healthcare services, regardless of their employment status. He also criticized opponents of the SHA reforms, describing them as cartels who previously exploited loopholes within the NHIF for fraudulent gains. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale Warns the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) Against Accrediting Non-Compliant Facilities, Calls for Integrity in Health Regulation
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has issued a stern warning to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) against the licensing of unqualified and non-compliant medical facilities, emphasizing that any compliance or registration officer involved in malpractice will face consequences: 'It will not be business as usual.' During his maiden visit to KMPDC offices in Nairobi today, Hon. Duale called on the Council to uphold integrity, transparency, and service to the public as stipulated under Section 33(2) of the 2023 Social Health Insurance Act. He emphasized the Council's pivotal role in ensuring all Kenyans, regardless of age or economic status, can access safe, quality healthcare delivered by qualified professionals. In his address, the CS underscored the importance of unity of purpose in delivering the health agenda and unlocking Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 'Let your operations reflect integrity, transparency, and service to the public,' he urged, while calling for timely service delivery, teamwork, and efficient use of public resources. Hon. Duale assured KMPDC of the Ministry's full support in enhancing its effectiveness through legislative reforms, resource mobilization, and stronger coordination with counties and professional bodies. Hon. Duale also briefed the Council on the Ministry's Digital Health Agency, highlighting its role in identifying and cracking down on unqualified medical practitioners to safeguard the public from substandard care. Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga stressed the need for a clear competency framework and robust professional practice evaluation to enhance service delivery and ensure high standards across the sector. Also present was Public Health Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni and Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth. The meeting was attended by KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki and Chair Prof. Stanley Khainga, along with other senior officials. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Arab News
18-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
KSrelief offers vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss in Kenya
Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has launched the Sama'a Volunteer Program, a Saudi-led program for cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation in Kenya, offering vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center's media department told Arab News on Friday that the program will provide 25 cochlear implant surgeries at Avenue Hospital in Nairobi and support 50 families with post-operative training in speech therapy and auditory rehabilitation. 'A team of 19 specialized medical volunteers will carry out the procedures and training over the coming days,' said KSrelief. The launch event was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Kenya Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Salman; Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya's minister of health; and Jibril Ibrahim Abdullahi, ambassador of Somalia to Kenya. Children from Somalia are also among the expected beneficiaries, highlighting the program's regional scope. Commenting on the program, Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor-general for planning and development at KSrelief, said: 'Hearing loss affects each child differently. Some are born with it, others lose it later, but what they share is the potential to connect, learn and thrive when given the right care. That is what this program is here to support.' The Sama'a Saudi Program is part of KSrelief's broader efforts to expand access to specialized healthcare for vulnerable communities across Africa and beyond. The Kenyan Ministry of Health posted on X: 'Cabinet Secretary of Health Aden Duale launched the Volunteer Medical Porgram for Cochlear Implantation and Audio Rehabilitation for Children at a Nairobi hotel, in partnership with KSrelief. The initiative brings together advanced technology and skills transfer to support children with hearing loss. 'Aligned with Kenya's National Ear and Hearing Care Strategic Plan (2023–2028) and UHC goals, the program is part of efforts to reverse the causes of childhood hearing loss through a comprehensive, person-centered approach.' Duale highlighted the inclusion of hearing devices in the Kenya Essential Medical Supplies List (2023) and partial coverage for cochlear implants under the SHA benefits package. The donation targeting 1,000 children across Africa has so far seen the implantation of the top-of-the-range hearing aids to 30 children aged between 3-5 years in Kenya (15) and Somalia (15). The implants correct severe to profound deafness. Duale highlighted the importance of partnerships in strengthening ear and hearing care, and building a strong, inclusive health system. He described the collaboration as a symbol of unity in restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope for children and families who need it most.
AFP
16-04-2025
- AFP
Post falsely claims Kenyan cabinet secretary involved in helicopter crash
'Police chopper carrying CS Aden Duale crash in Malindi,' reads the text overlaid on a TikTok post dated April 9, 2025. Image Screenshot of the false post, taken on April 14, 2025 The clip, shared 499 times, includes an image of Duale and a video labelled '2025' showing the wreckage of an aircraft surrounded by onlookers. The post, which has since been deleted, also included unrelated text promoting the Kenyan government's Financial Inclusion Fund, also known as the Hustler Fund. But the USSD codes provided to access the money are deceptive and do not follow the correct format provided by the government (archived here). Duale became the health cabinet secretary on March 26, 2025, after President William Ruto reshuffled his cabinet (archived here). He was previously the cabinet secretary of environment, climate change and forestry, and cabinet secretary for defence before that. On April 18, 2024, then defence force chief Francis Ogolla died in a helicopter crash, following which Duale said that an investigation report into the accident would be made public (archived here and here). A year later, the defence ministry released the report, revealing that the crash was caused by an engine malfunction (archived here). However, the TikTok video claiming that Duale recently met the same fate is false. Unrelated crash AFP Fact Check conducted reverse image searches on keyframes from the clip to find the original footage. A longer version of the video was published by Kenyan media outlet Nation on January 10, 2025 (archived here). '3 dead as light aircraft crashes on Malindi-Mombasa highway,' reads the video's title. The same helicopter wreckage - white tail with green, black and red stripes - and burnt debris scattered on the ground can be seen in both videos. Image Screenshots comparing the false post (left) and the original footage published by Nation According to a report by The Standard, the Cessna 182 aircraft was on a training mission and caught fire after crash-landing, hitting multiple motorcyclists in the process. Among those killed were the pilot, a motorcycle rider and a pillion passenger (archived here). The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the aircraft with registration number 5Y-CDC crashed two kilometres from Malindi airport (archived here). Duale was not on board. The incident was reported by other local and international media outlets (archived here and here). There are no credible reports to support the claim of Duale being involved in a helicopter accident. An incident that comes close was in July 2023, when a Kenya Defence Force chopper accompanying the helicopter Duale was in crashed on a security mission in northern Kenya's Turkana County (archived here). Duale's social media activity shows that he has been carrying out his ministerial responsibilities as usual. On the day the TikTok video was published, he presided over the signing of a contract at the Ministry of Health and was later hosted on the JKLive show on Kenya's Citizen TV (archived here and here).
