President William Ruto has extended an invitation to prominent health training institutions in the United States to develop exchange programs for Kenyan students, aiming to enhance research in the health sector.
Speaking at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, Ruto urged institutions such as the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Columbia, Duke, and Emory universities to partner with Kenyan universities.
“Through such collaboration, we aim to expand learning horizons and deepen insights into emerging threats, including zoonotic diseases,” Ruto said.
Ruto, currently on a four-day State visit to the U.S., highlighted the American government’s role as Kenya’s greatest ally in the health sector.
He commended the collaboration between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and U.S. institutions.
“The partnership between CDC, the National Institute of Health, and KEMRI, spanning seven research programs, has led to significant scientific discoveries, notably the malaria vaccine, enhancing healthcare outcomes,” said Ruto.
The President called for increased grants to KEMRI to establish robust intellectual property and scientific entrepreneurship frameworks, thereby supporting Kenya’s product development.
“I therefore encourage you to enhance support for better coordination, aligning efforts to improve our health system.
This includes prioritizing and investing in the implementation of the Kenya Health Sector Partnership and Coordination Framework (2018-2030),” Ruto told the audience.
Additionally, Ruto praised the U.S. government’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative for its role in enhancing Kenya’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and achieve success in global health.
“Together, we’ve turned a once fatal disease into a manageable condition, achieving significant success in global health.
Through collaboration with the US, Kenya is transitioning HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis programs into primary health care initiatives, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3,” said Ruto.
https://x.com/WilliamsRuto/status/1792743261737525714
Since 2003, the U.S. government has invested at least $8 billion in Kenya, according to the U.S. Embassy.
This funding supports over half of the total HIV/AIDS care programs in Kenya, aiding more than 1.6 million people living with HIV in the country.
Ruto’s visit marks the first by an African leader to the U.S. in 15 years, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and attract investment.
On Monday, Ruto invited American investors and manufacturers to explore opportunities in Kenya, amidst growing interest from Asian and Middle Eastern companies in Africa.
On Tuesday, Ruto is scheduled to visit Spelman College in Atlanta to highlight the importance of higher education, especially in science and technology, in attracting investments.
A State House communiqué indicates he will also visit Tyler Perry Studios to explore opportunities within the creative economy, visit the Coca-Cola company to foster new investments, launch Kenyan fashion label Vivo’s inaugural store in Atlanta, and attend a dinner hosted by Atlanta’s mayor, Andre Dickens, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto.
