Kenya has granted approval for the allocation of 10 acres of prime land for the establishment of the Eastern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre (EA-RCC).
Regional coordinating centres function as hubs for Africa CDC surveillance, preparedness and emergency response activities.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said the country has also approved the allocation of $2 million (Sh270m) for the establishment of the centre.
She made the announcement on Thursday during the 2nd Africa CDC Eastern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) meeting in Nairobi.
The meeting was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
A statement from the ministry said the centre, to be located in Nairobi, will coordinate Africa CDC partnerships and activities in the 14 Member States of the Eastern Africa region.
It will also strengthen surveillance, laboratory systems and public health communications, the statement added.
“Kenya remains committed to enhancing its capacity to detect and respond swiftly to disease threats and outbreaks, aligning with CDC's mission,” the statement read in part.
They also coordinate regional public health initiatives by Member States.
Director General of Africa CDC Dr Jean Kaseya commended Kenya's efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and community health.
UHC ensures all persons and communities have access to the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.
This includes provision of essential, quality health services, from health promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.
Towards this end, the government has unveiled a healthcare financing system - the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) - replacing the NHIF.
The new cover is designed to ensure the provision of equitable and affordable healthcare to all Kenyans, regardless of their employment status.
