Cessouma added, that Kenya's accomplishments not only reflect its dedication to improving RMNCAH indicators but also underscore its progress towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UHC.
Meanwhile, during the event, in a move towards transforming healthcare delivery and fostering self-reliance, Kenya's Ministry of Health (MOH) team, led by CS Nakhumich, Acting Director General Dr Patrick Amoth, and James Nyikal from the Parliamentary Committee on Health, held a meeting with Gavi-the Vaccine Alliance CEO Seth Berkeley.
Kenya has been actively investing in and implementing reforms to revolutionize its healthcare system, with a key priority being the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) over the next five years.
Immunization plays a crucial role in this endeavour, and the country ensures that free immunization services are provided annually to over 1.5 million infants, an equal number of pregnant women, and 700,000 adolescent girls.
The services are delivered through a network of more than 9,000 health facilities, including public, private, faith-based, and NGO establishments.
The collaboration with GAVI alliance CEO, Seth Berkeley, underscored the importance of engaging with international organizations to strengthen healthcare initiatives.
During the meeting, the GAVI alliance expressed its intention to provide financial support to Kenya through the Treasury. It is also planning a high-level visit to further solidify the partnership.
However, Ms Nakhukicha said it is essential to acknowledge the setbacks caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The pandemic, she said, resulted in socioeconomic devastation worldwide and reversed the gains made in immunisation programmes.
"Recognising the need for self-reliance and innovative solutions, the MOH, through institutions such as the Kenya Biovax Institute (KBI) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), is focused on manufacturing vaccines and other specialized Human Health Products and Technologies (HPTs), including therapeutics and biomedical products," said Nakhumicha.
She added, "As the chair of the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) and a member of the East African Community (EAC), Kenya has aligned with other member states to achieve a stockpile of essential HPTs".
The CS said with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Kenya and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the establishment of a regional hub for emergency operations, significant progress has been made toward realising self-reliance.
The regional hub she said will encompass a training center, an emergency camp/treatment center, a simulation village, and a warehouse, further strengthening Kenya's emergency response capabilities.
The discussions between Kenya's Ministry of Health team and the GAVI alliance mark a crucial step towards enhancing healthcare delivery and promoting self-reliance in the face of global challenges.
The discussion happened when Kenya is expected to be self-reliant by 2027, having attained a middle-income state.