President Kenyatta heads to Cuba to bolster cooperation in health
Uhuru's visit is aimed at deepening collaboration in various sectors including health
A statement from State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu stated that the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and deepening collaboration in health, sports, culture and trade.
Cooperation in Health
Cuba has a well-developed health sector which has achieved great milestones such as discovery of vaccines against lung cancer, and the eradication of malaria. Cuba is also home to a thriving pharmaceutical sector.
Last year, Kenya and Cuba signed an MoU on health cooperation where the two nations committed to achieve universal healthcare, an initiative which forms part of Kenyatta’s big four agenda.
“There is a great opportunity, during the President’s visit, for the two nations to expand the MoU implementation for the achievement of universal healthcare, an important deliverable in President Kenyatta’s Big Four agenda,” read the statement from Mr Esipisu.
Pharmaceutical industry
He also stated that the head-of-state will encourage Cuba to set up a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kenya to serve the East and Central Africa regional market.
“The President will explore how to build Kenyan capacity, increase the number of medical specialists in orthopaedic surgery, oncology, neurology, and trauma management; and collaborate in research on cancer and diabetes drugs, and eradication of malaria.”
Likewise, Kenya will look to enhance its sports development by seeking Cuba's support in the sports medicine sector.
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