Dialysis tops agenda as Foreign Affairs Director hosts delegation from Africa50

Director of African Union, Regional, and Continental Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs James Kiiru on Wednesday hosted a delegation from Africa50 and Africa Health Networks (AHN).

The meeting which was held at the ministry's headquarters focused on discussing areas of collaboration in the health sector.

The delegation was led by CEO and Director of AHN Group Matt Williams

The meeting also explored sustainable strategies to realise the aspirations of the Universal Health Care (UHC) programme.

Key on the agenda was investing in dialysis infrastructure in the country to ensure access by patients.

The ministry in a statement acknowledged that access to dialysis in the country still remains a challenge to many patients in need of the services.

"Given the prevailing challenges Kenyans face in accessing dialysis where only one out of five Kenyans have this access, the two deliberating sides agreed that there is an urgent need to collaboratively address these challenges," the statement reads.

Kiiru committed to follow up on the proposals that came out of the meeting as well as link Africa50 and AHN to relevant government agencies.

Williams shared proposals for possible areas of collaboration regarding access to affordable healthcare, talent upskilling, global innovation, investment and growth and community development.

Director Kiiru committed to follow up on these proposals as well as link Africa50 and AHN to relevant government agencies.

He was accompanied by AHN County Director for Kenya Dennis Lumula.

This initiative is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to ensure that all citizens can access essential health services without suffering financial hardship.

Africa50, an infrastructure investment platform, and AHN, a network dedicated to improving health outcomes in Africa, are poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Kenya’s health sector.

The Kenyan government has been actively seeking ways to improve its healthcare infrastructure.

With rising cases of chronic diseases such as kidney failure, the need for accessible dialysis treatment has become more pressing.

The collaboration with Africa50 and AHN aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance healthcare services and infrastructure.

The meeting marks a significant step towards addressing the healthcare challenges in Kenya.