How State plans to address funding gaps after US withdrawal from WHO
National
By
Stephanie Wangari
| Jan 22, 2025
The Ministry of Health says it will engage and partner with other countries to address funding gaps following the United States' decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, January 22, Health Director- General Patrick Amoth detailed plans to collaborate with neighboring countries to strengthen regional health infrastructure and improve disease surveillance.
The ministry is also pursuing partnerships with non-U.S. donors, including the European Union, the Gates Foundation, and China, to support Kenya's health systems.
Amoth said Kenya will also mobilize local resources to sustain critical health programs, such as polio eradication, HIV/AIDS prevention, and maternal health, which previously relied heavily on U.S. donor support.
READ MORE
Jay Z and Beyonce, Messi hold largest real estate portfolio among celebrities
Locals reap big from housing infrastructure revamp
Kenya Airways redeploys second Embraer plane after repair to meet festive season demand
Coffee farmers earn Sh9.3b in three months
How golf's growing youth appeal is quietly influencing property decisions
Hope amidst hurdles, mixed feelings about affordable housing
Thome estate residents protest new highrise property developments
Main-Kenya's fresh push to build Sh2.4 billion maritime survival centre
Securitisation: The financial tool powering Kenya's roads, and Its risks
Kenya ranks poorly in digital quality of life and AI development as Finland, US top
"WHO provides essential expertise, training, and funding for Kenya's health system. The U.S. withdrawal could slow progress on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and jeopardize programs like COVAX, limiting access to affordable vaccines," he stated.
The U.S., formerly WHO's largest donor, had played a key role in funding global health initiatives.
However, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to withdraw the country from WHO, citing disparities in funding contributions compared to China.
Vaccine shortage
The Health DG further urged parents of children who missed their BCG vaccinations to visit clinics for the jab.
He assured the public that vaccine distribution is ongoing and that the situation is expected to improve within two weeks.
According to Amoth, BCG vaccines were received at the Ministry's Kitengela stores yesterday, and distribution is underway in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Meru, Nyeri, and Garissa.