Division of National AIDS and STI Control Program

HEALTH INTEGRATION SUMMIT 2026 COMMUNIQUÉ

At the Kenya Mission in Geneva, on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly, I held a high-level bilateral meeting with Ms. Angeli Achrekar of UNAIDS to advance discussions on strengthening the global HIV response. I reaffirmed Kenya's unwavering commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and highlighted our continued leadership through a fifth consecutive year on the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board. While noting strong progress in treatment access, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and community health systems, I underscored that approximately 1.33 million Kenyans are living with HIV, with a prevalence of about 3.0%. Despite notable declines over the past decade, an estimated 20,000 new infections and over 21,000 AIDS-related deaths annually, especially among children, adolescents, young women and key populations, remain a concern. Discussions also focused on mounting global health financing pressures, with potential disruptions threatening to reverse hard-won gains across Africa, particularly in workforce stability, commodity security and community-led interventions. Kenya is steadily transitioning toward a more resilient and sustainable HIV response through integration within Universal Health Coverage (UHC), anchored by the Social Health Authority (SHA). The Kenya–U.S. Government-to-Government Health Cooperation Framework continues to serve as a critical model in strengthening public systems and supporting a sustainable shift from donor-dependent and vertical programmes. I was joined by H.E. Dr. Fancy Too, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kenya to the UN in Geneva, Dr. Patrick Amoth DG Health, Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara CEO Digital Health, Dr. Andrew Mutava Mulwa, Head of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) and Dr. Bashir Issak, Director Family Health at the Ministry of Health.

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient and people-centred health systems through integrated primary healthcare reforms during a high-level side event held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Speaking during the session on “Financing and Integrated Care as Pathways to People-Centered Universal Health Coverage,” the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said Kenya’s experience has demonstrated that effective integration goes beyond policy commitments and requires aligning financing, governance, workforce capacity, digital systems, and community engagement around people’s healthcare needs. The PS noted that Kenya has shifted from fragmented disease-specific programmes towards integrated service delivery models that allow patients to access HIV, TB, malaria, maternal health, mental health, and non-communicable disease services within primary healthcare platforms. He highlighted Primary Care Networks as a key pillar in operationalising integrated healthcare by strengthening coordination between community health units, dispensaries, health centres, and referral hospitals to improve continuity of care, referrals, patient follow-up, and commodity distribution. The PS further emphasized the critical role of Community Health Promoters in connecting households to healthcare services through health promotion, disease prevention, treatment adherence, maternal and child health support, NCD follow-up, and outbreak surveillance. On financing reforms, he underscored the importance of pooled financing and strategic purchasing mechanisms in supporting integrated primary healthcare delivery and reducing reliance on fragmented disease-specific funding systems. The PS also noted that Kenya’s devolved governance structure has enabled counties to adapt integration models to local realities through investments in workforce deployment, planning, and service innovation, while the national government continues to provide policy direction and coordination. He further highlighted ongoing investments in digital health systems to support integrated patient management, referral coordination, supply chain management, accountability, and continuity of care. The PS observed that sustainable and resilient health systems must be capable of responding simultaneously to infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal health challenges, pandemics, and future public health threats. The side event brought together policymakers, health leaders, and development partners to discuss strategies for advancing resilient, equitable, and sustainable Universal Health Coverage through integrated care and financing reforms.

Kenya showcased its progress in advancing integrated and people-centred primary healthcare during a #WHA79 side event on Financing and Integrated Care for Universal Health Coverage in Geneva. facebook.com/share/p/18Y7c8…

Kenya joins global health leaders at #WHA79 to advance stronger, resilient, and people-centred health systems. 🇰🇪🌍

Today serves as a reminder of the urgent need to advance research, innovation and partnerships to end AIDS.

Children’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. A child’s emotional well-being affects how they learn, play, build relationships, and cope with challenges. #MentalHealthAwareness #EndingAIDS2030

PS Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga today joined PS Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni in chairing the Joint Health Cooperation Framework Steering Committee meeting at Afya House. facebook.com/share/p/18ScjS…

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga today co-chaired the Joint Health Cooperation Framework Steering Committee meeting at Afya House alongside Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni to review progress in developing the Kenya–USG Health Cooperation Framework Implementation Plan 2026–2030. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, the United States Government, and key stakeholders to assess ongoing technical, legal, and institutional processes supporting implementation of the framework. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination mechanisms, advancing the implementation plan, aligning financing and programme management structures, and enhancing consultations with counties and other stakeholders to support effective delivery of health sector priorities. The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between Kenya and the United States in advancing health sector priorities and underscored the shared commitment to strengthening resilient healthcare systems and improving health outcomes for Kenyans.

Mental health matters at every stage of life-including older age. Promoting emotional support, dignity, social connection, and access to care can help older adults live healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives. #MentalHealthAwareness #EndingAIDS2030

Today, the Court of Appeal stayed the High Court order that had sought to halt implementation of the Kenya USG Health Cooperation Framework. The Kenya USG Health Cooperation Framework is the product of rigorous negotiation between two sovereign governments, shaped by professionals who are not only deeply competent but also genuinely invested in Kenya’s health future. Really the best as was earlier stated by His Excellency President @WilliamsRuto. We respect the judicial process. Always. But it must also be said plainly that when hard-earned partnerships in health face legal disruption, it is ultimately Kenyan patients who bear the cost of that unnecessary distraction. And the noble work continues.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, today chaired a high-level meeting of the Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG) Technical Working Group under the Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework to review key implementation and coordination priorities. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, National Treasury, Council of Governors, and the Office of the Solicitor General to align implementation modalities, co-financing arrangements, and sustainability measures under the framework. Dr. Oluga emphasized the need to align the agreement with Kenya’s health priorities, fiscal realities, and intergovernmental structures while safeguarding continuity of essential health services during the transition period. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening locally driven health systems through sustainable financing, workforce support, digitization, and improved commodity security as part of ongoing efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage. The Technical Working Group also reviewed key transition and implementation priorities aimed at ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery and supporting ongoing health sector reforms.

We honour and celebrate all mothers. Happy Mother’s Day.

RT @MOH_Kenya: Kenya and the United States are strengthening health cooperation to advance Universal Health Coverage and accelerate key hea…

When it comes to HIV conversations, every misinformation creates real harm. Visit your nearest health facility to speak to a health care worker or call Uliza NASCOP 0726460000. #EndingAIDS2030 @MOH_Kenya @UNAIDS @UNAIDS_Kenya @CDCKenya @GlobalFund @nsdcc_kenya @ahfkenya

With the right knowledge, prevention tools, & access to treatment, HIV doesn’t have to hold anyone back. Every test, every step toward care, is a step toward a future full of possibilities. Support a healthier tomorrow. #HIVPrevention #HIVTreatment #HIVAwareness

.@MOH_Kenya through @NASCOP is intensifying Community Engagement in rolling-out of long-acting #PrEP as part of expanded HIV Combination Prevention with @NEPHAKKENYA @NSDCC @KenyaRedCross @WHOKenya @UNAIDS_Kenya @CHAI_health @UNITAID @MOHMedServices to end new HIV infections

Got 5 minutes? That's all it takes to get tested for #hepatitis. It's quick and life-saving! Don’t let #hepatitis destroy your life. Take action. Get tested and treated to prevent liver cirrhosis and cancer bit.ly/4vUyLKv

@MOH_Kenya through @NASCOP acknowledge the continued collaboration with the @GlobalFund towards HIV response in Kenya