Latest news with #KEMSA
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya and the United States (U.S.) Strengthen Collaboration on Health Systems and Commodity Security
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, met with a U.S. Congressional Delegation at KEMSA to strengthen Kenya-U.S. collaboration in health systems, commodity procurement, and public health interventions. Dr. Barasa emphasized Kenya's focus on self-reliance in health commodity procurement and local pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce import dependency and ensure a steady supply of essential medicines. She highlighted government efforts to boost local production, attract private-sector investment, and maintain high-quality standards through robust regulation. The Cabinet Secretary welcomed U.S. support in technology transfer, supply chain strengthening, and expanding market access for Kenyan-made health products. She also stressed the importance of U.S. assistance in capacity building, regulatory reforms, and trade expansion. The meeting reaffirmed Kenya's goal of becoming a regional leader in pharmaceutical production, with Dr. Barasa calling for stronger partnerships to build a sustainable and resilient health sector. KEMSA Board Chair Mr. Samuel Tunai and CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa also attended, highlighting ongoing reforms to improve medical supply management efficiency. This engagement reinforced the commitment to deepening Kenya-U.S. collaboration for a stronger health system. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
14-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ministry of Health Flags Off Critical Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Commodities at Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS)
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa, today flagged off a consignment of essential HIV commodities at the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) to ensure uninterrupted care for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) across the country. Speaking at the event, Dr. Barasa reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to sustaining the HIV response, despite global funding challenges. Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, and KEMSA CEO, she emphasized the government's steadfast dedication to ensuring patients have continued access to life-saving HIV treatment and testing commodities. Kenya has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV, achieving 98:98:94 progress toward the UNAIDS 95:95:95 targets. The coordination between KEMSA, MEDS, the Ministry of Health, and county governments has played a critical role in maintaining a robust supply chain for HIV care. The flagged-off consignment includes: Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs such as Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) and pediatric formulations; HIV testing kits supporting the country's 3-Test Algorithm; Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) and Viral Load testing reagents for timely diagnosis and treatment monitoring and Male condoms to support HIV prevention efforts. Dr. Barasa highlighted the Ministry's focus on strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, integrating HIV care into universal health coverage, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance efficiency in commodity distribution. This milestone underscores Kenya's commitment to an HIV-free future, ensuring no patient is left behind. The flagged-off supplies will be distributed across health facilities nationwide, securing access to essential treatment and care. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
