Kenya inks cooperation deal with Thailand to boost health coverage

NAIROBI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's health Ministry on Thursday signed a framework agreement on sharing expertise and technologies needed to achieve universal health coverage in the African country.

Sicily Kariuki, cabinet secretary for health, said Kenya will draw on Thailand's successes in areas such as health financing, innovation and capacity building, in efforts to ensure all citizens can access quality healthcare services.

"Our collaboration with Thailand will be focused on improving the health and well-being of our citizens," Kariuki said, adding, "Many countries including Kenya look up to Thailand as an example" in achieving universal health coverage.

She said Kenya is interested in Thailand's experiences in capacity building, use of technology and innovative financing in boosting people's access to affordable and quality healthcare services.

"We are also willing to domesticate Thailand's successful lessons on capping price of drugs and evidence-based research to inform interventions on killer diseases," said Kariuki, adding that Kenya's health ministry will send technical personnel to Thailand for training courses.

On the bilateral cooperation, Thai Minister of Public health Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said, "We have made strides in the implementation of universal health coverage because of political commitment and motivation of healthcare workers. Kenya can take a cue from those lessons to ensure healthcare services are inclusive."