On January 24, 2025, a significant bilateral meeting was held between Kenya and Italy to enhance their cooperation in the health sector. The meeting, which took place in Italy, was attended by Mr. Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services in Kenya, and Ambassador Fredrick Matwangβa, Kenyaβs Ambassador to Italy. They were joined by Marcelo Gemmato, the Under-Secretary for Health in the Ministry of Health of the Italian Republic. The discussions centered on strengthening health cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on key areas such as the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, advancements in telemedicine, capacity building, and the establishment of a health personnel exchange program.
One of the primary objectives of the meeting was to explore opportunities for local pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing in Kenya. The Kenyan government has been actively seeking ways to reduce dependency on imported medical supplies and to improve its capacity for producing essential medicines locally. By collaborating with Italy, Kenya aims to leverage Italyβs expertise in pharmaceutical production and manufacturing technologies to build a sustainable and self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry. This partnership would not only reduce the costs associated with importing drugs but also create job opportunities and foster economic growth in Kenya.
Another key topic of discussion was the advancement of telemedicine. With the rapid growth of digital technologies, telemedicine has become an essential tool in improving healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Kenya has been making strides in the adoption of telemedicine, but there is still much to be done to fully integrate it into the countryβs healthcare system. Italy, with its advanced telemedicine infrastructure and experience, is well-positioned to support Kenya in this area. Through knowledge exchange and technical assistance, the two countries aim to expand telemedicine services, ensuring that even the most remote populations have access to quality healthcare.
Capacity building also emerged as a critical area for collaboration. Both Kenya and Italy recognize the importance of training healthcare professionals to meet the growing demands of their respective populations. Kenya has a shortage of skilled healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas, and this gap needs to be addressed to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. Italy, with its well-established medical education and training systems, can play a crucial role in providing expertise and resources to help Kenya build a stronger healthcare workforce. Through joint training programs, workshops, and internships, both countries hope to enhance the skills of healthcare workers in Kenya and improve the overall quality of care.
Furthermore, the meeting also explored the potential for a health personnel exchange program between the two countries. This program would allow healthcare professionals from Kenya to gain experience and training in Italy, while Italian healthcare workers could contribute their knowledge and expertise to the Kenyan healthcare system. Such exchanges would promote mutual learning and the sharing of best practices, ultimately strengthening the healthcare systems of both nations.
The discussions also touched on the broader context of global health challenges, such as the need for increased collaboration in the fight against infectious diseases and the importance of strengthening health systems to respond to future health emergencies. Both Kenya and Italy acknowledged the critical role of international cooperation in addressing these challenges and committed to working together to improve global health outcomes.
This bilateral meeting marks a significant step forward in the growing partnership between Kenya and Italy in the health sector. By focusing on key areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, telemedicine, capacity building, and health personnel exchanges, both countries are positioning themselves to create a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system. The collaboration is expected to yield long-term benefits for both nations and serve as a model for future international health partnerships.
