The United States government has pledged to support Kenya as the latter strives to Strengthen Global Health Security including the gaps identified in the health care system during the response to the COVID 19 Pandemic.
This was highlighted when the governments of the United States of America and
The Republic of Kenya, yesterday renewed the agreement concerning the co-operation in Threat Reduction Biological Engagement Programmes (CTRA), that was set to lapse on Tuesday night, for a further seven years.
The agreement renewal was signed by US Embassy Charge Dr Affaires, Eric Kneedler and Kenya Minister of Health, Sen. Mutahi Kagwe following wide bilateral consultations.
The agreement was initially signed in July 2015 during President Barrack Obama’s visit to Kenya by the then Minister for Health, and US Ambassador to Kenya.
In April 2017, the agreement came into force following the satisfaction of all legal requirements including Parliamentary Ratification.
Ministry of Health was selected as the lead implementing agency with the ministries of Interior and that of Defence designated as co-chairs given the security aspects of the agreement.
The agreement has seen several government ministries, departments and agencies benefit, including Kenya Medical Research Institute, The Kenya Veterinary Vaccines’ Production Institute, Central Veterinary Laboratories, National Public Health Labs as well as a host of county health facilities that have benefited from different interventions.
Other upcoming beneficiaries include Kenya Wildlife Research and Training Institute and the Primate Research Institute who are discussing the possibility of setting up a molecular laboratory.
Speaking during the ceremony, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya has prioritised health security in an effort to addressing emerging threats.
“We have noted a critical need for the training of our officers in Biosafety and Biosecurity. We have also noted the need to raise awareness on handling and the measures needed towards the reduction of nuclear threats: a challenge recently witnessed in an event in Mombasa where we intercepted a ship carrying radioactive material,” said the health CS.
CS Kagwe said Kenya needs to build and strengthen the capacity of its nascent institutions, including the National Public Health Institute to adequately handle biological, chemical and nuclear threats, focusing not only on human health, but also on animal, plant and environmental health with training focusing on high level capacity-building.
US Embassy Charge de Affaires Eric Kneedler said the US government appreciates the collaborative role of different agencies within the Kenyan government including Defence, Interior, Agriculture and Health, among others. “The US Government commits to continue working with Kenya in building-capacity to reduce the harmful effects of Biological threats” Kneedler observed.
