Kenya and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to partner in local production of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to boost self-sufficiency and enhance Universal Health Coverage in the country.
The two countries have also agreed to work together to strengthen global health security and disease control with support from the National Public Health Institute (NPHI).
This is after Public Health PS Mary Muthoni met with Italy's Deputy Ambassador Lorenza Gambacorta.
The meeting was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by President William Ruto and Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella during his state visit to Kenya in March 2023.
The discussions during the visit resulted in multiple bilateral agreements, demonstrating both countries' strong commitment to cooperation.
“Specialized health and research institutions from both countries will collaborate on research, training, and healthcare services. Health tourism initiatives will also be explored,” the ministry said in a statement.
They will also work together in human resource development which will include knowledge exchange in specialised healthcare areas through training programmes as well as having a regional healthcare hub.
“A regional healthcare hub will provide specialised mental healthcare services and support programmes related to reproductive and maternal health,” it said.
The Ministry, in partnership with the Italian Embassy, is actively working on a framework to operationalise the MoU signed by the two Presidents.
The joint initiatives, according to the ministry, signal a promising future for Kenya and Italy, underlining the importance of international collaboration in advancing healthcare and achieving universal health coverage.
