President William Ruto wins African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Award in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

President William Ruto was feted with an international award on Saturday, February 18, during the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The president received the African Leaders Malaria Alliance ( ALMA) Joyce Kafanabo Award in recognition of the government’s effort in promoting healthcare among Kenyans.

The head of state accepted the award on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya after posting the best scorecard in reproductive, maternal neonatal, child and adolescent healthcare.

“I stand before you with deep humility to accept on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Joyce Kafanabo Award for excellence and innovation.

“The award recognizes the best scorecard in reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent healthcare,” Ruto stated in his acceptance speech.

READ: 2 key issues expected to dominate the AU Summit 2023 agenda

President William Ruto and other leaders at the ongoing 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Pulse Live Kenya

The president committed to leading his government to pursue better healthcare for Kenyans and expressed his gratitude to president Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau who is the current chair of ALMA.

“Sissoco has shown a steadfast commitment to excellence, efficiency and integrity in governance and to discipline and orderly service delivery to development,” the president added.

ALMA is a coalition of African leaders working towards eliminating malaria by 2030.

A statement on its website reads:

“The African Leaders Malaria Alliance is a groundbreaking coalition of African Union Heads of State and Government working across African countries with various partners including Regional Economic Communities and development partners to eliminate malaria by 2030”.

The president, in his campaigns promised to fix Kenya's healthcare system and make quality services affordable.