PHOTOS: Duale meets WHO Regional Director Chikwe Ihekweazu

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, hosted World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Acting Regional Director Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu at his office in Nairobi. 

Issuing a statement on the meeting, the Ministry of Health noted that the two held bilateral discussions focused on sustainable responses to Kenya’s multiple and complex public health emergencies such as Mpox, Cholera, Kala-azar, Polio, and Measles. 

The two also reviewed progress on the operationalization of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (NPHI) – a key body coordinating disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and response. 

While at it, WHO reiterated its commitment to supporting activities within the body in alignment with its public health mandate. 

On his part, Duale commended WHO appreciating their longstanding support to Kenya’s health sector, calling for enhanced collaboration in emergency logistics and supplies, health worker training and capacity building. 

He also called for improved collaboration in community-based surveillance and risk communication, affirming that the aforementioned areas are crucial to advancing the Universal Health Coverage agenda. 

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Ag. DG, NPHI Dr Maureen Kamene and Dr. Stephen K. Muleshe who is Senior Deputy Director, Office of International Health Relations, MOH were also present at the meeting.