Ministry of Health CS Kagwe [Photo: People Daily]
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe is calling for efficient and verifiable programming approaches in the war against HIV/AIDS.
According to Kagwe, it is paramount for communities and civil society groups to align their proposals to existing government policies and frameworks in efforts to sustain the gains realized over the years.
He decried the disproportionate risk of HIV infections and reduced access to HIV services by some subpopulations.
The CS also noted that the COVID -19 pandemic has underlined the importance of self-sufficiency in local health security.
He then highlighted that the Health Ministry is prioritizing the setting up of transparent information sharing and monitoring of the supply chain system.
This is to support local manufacturing and increase supply chain pipeline visibility to all stakeholders.
“I propose that all partners support local production capacity by prioritizing purchase of locally manufactured products & commodities. Local production will ensure a steady supply of medicines to all health facilities & ease the burden of people living with HIV,” he said.
While appreciating the role played by multiple players in the supply chain and shared roles in ensuring service continuity, the health CS urged all players to be accountable to their commitments and follow through for the rationalized use of the commodities.
Kagwe spoke during a virtual planning meeting of the US president’s emergency plan for relief country operational plan on Tuesday.