Kenya and Italy Commit to Strengthening Healthcare Collaboration
The two officials held a pivotal side meeting to review the progress of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kenya and Italy.
At the DEAM Conference on "Defeating HIV in Africa: An Achievable Goal," held in Rome, Italy, on January 25, 2025, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, and Italian Health Minister, Prof. Mario Schilaci, reaffirmed their dedication to bolstering healthcare systems through bilateral cooperation. Photo/Ministry of Health.
At the DEAM Conference on “Defeating HIV in Africa: An Achievable Goal,” held in Rome, Italy, on January 25, 2025, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, and Italian Health Minister, Prof. Mario Schilaci, reaffirmed their dedication to bolstering healthcare systems through bilateral cooperation.
The two officials held a pivotal side meeting to review the progress of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kenya and Italy.
Their discussions focused on accelerating the implementation of the agreement, which encompasses four critical areas of collaboration:
1️⃣ Recruitment of Health Workers: The MOU prioritizes the recruitment of healthcare professionals, with a particular emphasis on nurses, to address shortages in both countries and strengthen workforce capacity.
2️⃣ Vaccine Manufacturing: Both nations aim to enhance vaccine production capabilities, ensuring a steady supply of life-saving vaccines for Kenya and the broader African region.
3️⃣ Telemedicine: The collaboration seeks to advance telemedicine initiatives, leveraging technology to improve access to medical care, especially in remote areas.
4️⃣ Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: The partnership focuses on establishing robust pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, reducing reliance on imports, and improving access to essential medicines.
Both parties underscored their commitment to fast-tracking these initiatives, recognizing their potential to significantly enhance healthcare delivery and capacity in Kenya and across Africa.
To ensure the swift implementation of these plans, Kenyan Ambassador to Italy, Frederick Matwang’a, will work closely with the Italian Ministry of Health and engage relevant stakeholders in both countries. This follow-up process aims to translate the outlined goals into tangible outcomes.
The collaboration aligns with Kenya’s broader efforts to strengthen its healthcare sector, as demonstrated by its achievements in HIV treatment and progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The partnership also reflects Italy’s commitment to fostering sustainable health solutions in Africa through strategic investments and knowledge sharing.
The DEAM Conference provided an ideal platform to highlight Kenya’s healthcare advancements while forging meaningful partnerships to address emerging challenges. As Kenya and Italy work to operationalize their MOU, their shared vision of improved healthcare delivery holds promise for transformative impacts on public health in the region.
This renewed collaboration serves as a blueprint for global partnerships in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of innovation, capacity building, and shared expertise in achieving long-term health goals.
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