Kenya to Host 2025 Global Health Security Summit

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Monday, September 23, 2024. In a significant move for global health security, Kenya is set to host the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit in 2025. The summit, scheduled for January 28-30 in Kilifi County aims to unite global leaders, health experts, policymakers and industry stakeholders to address pressing health security challenges and enhance regional collaboration. 

A key focus of the summit will be fortifying health systems and creating robust strategies to detect, prevent and respond to health threats, such as pandemics and bioterrorism. The event builds on critical lessons learned from past outbreaks, including COVID-19, Ebola and recently mpox, as it aims to strengthen preparedness for future health emergencies.

The summit is organized by the Global Center for Health Security (GCHS) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board, and the Jumuiya Economic Development Secretariat. It is further supported by Kenya’s Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards.

Speaking at a precursor event, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni highlighted the importance of the summit in advancing Africa’s capacity to manage health emergencies. "This summit offers an invaluable opportunity for East Africa to enhance its health security systems, and its outcomes will be instrumental in shaping future health strategies," she said.

The summit's conveners are keen to position East Africa as a global leader in health security, adopting a “whole of community” approach. PS Muthoni emphasized that the event’s focus on community involvement will have far-reaching benefits, not just for the region but globally.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major vulnerabilities in health preparedness, underscoring unequal access to critical resources. Emmanuel Nzai, Chairperson of the Vision 2030 Delivery Board, noted, "We must ensure that we are never caught unprepared again." Nzai stressed that the summit’s success would require a "business unusual" approach, underpinned by transformative leadership and robust public-private partnerships to build resilient health systems.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, represented by Ruth Masha, Chief Executive Committee Member for Gender, lauded the summit's timing and expressed confidence in Kenya’s readiness to host such a pivotal event.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, a key player in the summit, acknowledged that such an event has long been overdue. The organization stressed that the summit presents an opportunity to significantly bolster collaboration across borders to enhance health security. "Diseases know no borders," said Judy Koze, one of the Directors at Africa CDC. "We must work together to ensure everyone’s safety."

James Lawler of the University of Nebraska Medical Center emphasized the summit's role as a catalyst for creating more resilient health systems. "We need to start viewing health as critical infrastructure, just like roads or electricity. A strong healthcare system is essential for national stability," he remarked.

Key themes of the summit will include pandemic preparedness and response, bioterrorism and biosecurity, health system strengthening, global health equity, innovative health technologies and critical health infrastructure.

Outcomes from the summit are expected to include significant advancements in innovation and technology, the development of a more skilled workforce and reinforced public-private partnerships. These measures aim to equip the region with the tools necessary to combat future health challenges effectively.

Source: Capital News

Published: September 23, 2024

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