
Health experts and policymakers across East Africa are emphasizing the urgent need for robust systems to address emerging and re-emerging health threats, including pandemics and disease outbreaks.
The summit aims to tackle the region’s global health security challenges and build more resilient healthcare systems.
Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Debora Mulongo, reaffirmed government’s commitment to establishing resilient systems, emphasizing the importance of affordable, accessible and high-quality universal health coverage (UHC) while strengthening key aspects of health security.
Referring to US Government executive order on healthcare reforms, Mulongo stated, “I have tasked various State departments and Program directors to assess the financial, human resource, and infrastructural impacts of health challenges,”
She added that the Ministry aims to develop actionable interventions to present to President William Ruto and the Cabinet, ensuring no one is left behind.
Acting Deputy Director General of the Africa CDC, Raji Tajudeen, highlighted the urgent need to address critical gaps in the healthcare workforce to bolster public health systems.
“There is no health without a workforce. This summit offers an opportunity to revisit the agenda of strengthening the health workforce in the East African region,” he said.
Tajudeen commended Kenya’s progress in local manufacturing of health security commodities such as vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.
“Kenya’s achievements in local manufacturing are commendable, and we hope to see this replicated across other member states.Health security cannot be achieved without adequate funding,” he noted.
He also called for action-oriented partnerships based on trust and collaboration, stressing, “No country can achieve health security goals alone. This summit reminds us of the importance of coordination, collaboration and effective communication,”
WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, stressed the need for resource mobilization.
“Given the current environment and challenges, it’s critical to strategically secure resources to address health issues while prioritizing research and development, a vital area for our sub-region,” he said.
Associate Director for International Programs at the Global Center for Health Security, Dr James Lawler praised East Africa’s collaborative efforts, noting that such efforts are key to building sustainable and effective systems to prevent and mitigate future pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks.
“This is a global problem—we’re only safe when everyone is safe. We value the opportunity to learn from East Africa and contribute to its health security initiatives,” he said.
Kilifi County Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, emphasized the role of county governments in health security. She highlighted the need for strong partnerships between county and national governments to enhance surveillance, screening, infrastructure, and financing. “It’s a win-win for counties, Kenya, and the East African region,” she said.