Dutch to support Kenya's plan to manufacture health products

The government of the Netherlands has committed to supporting Kenya’s plan to have local manufacturing of essential health products among other development projects.

This emerged in a meeting that took place between the Netherlands Ambassador Maarten Brouwer and the Health CS Susan Wafula on Thursday.

The ambassador also reiterated the commitment of the Netherlands to support Kenya's agenda on Primary Health Care and Community Health Services as well as expanding social health insurance coverage.

“They will also work to enhance global health security and collaborate on pandemic prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery,” a statement from the ministry said.

Kenya and the Netherlands have shared a longstanding diplomatic relationship that has resulted in various development projects over the years.

The Dutch government for instance has been a valuable partner in supporting Kenya's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

In November 2021, Kenya received a donation of over a million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with over half of the doses being donated by the government of the Netherlands.

Beyond the Covid-19 response, the Dutch Government has supported infrastructure improvement in 23 hospitals throughout Kenya.

“There are ongoing partnerships in various areas, including childhood cancer treatment and Universal Health Coverage initiatives,” the ministry said.

The government's UHC seeks to ensure that all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, and without financial hardship.

In November 2022, a health sector trade mission from the Netherlands visited Kenya to seek collaboration for tackling the challenge of access to quality healthcare by Kenyans.

The Netherlands is an important partner in multilateral forums and is among the leading supporters of the WHO, UNFPA, GAVI and Global Fund.