The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over critical medical supplies and equipment valued at over US$ 2.3 million to the Government of Kenya in a ceremony presided over by His Excellency President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, presented the comprehensive package to President Ruto and the Government and people of Kenya, marking a significant investment in the country's health infrastructure and emergency response capacity.

"This is more than a transaction; it is a testament to partnership, purpose, and the power of collective action," Dr. Janabi stated. "Each ambulance, each oxygen cylinder, each emergency kit tells a story: a mother who reaches care in time, a child whose life is protected, a health worker who responds well when every minute matters."

The handover includes 14 fully equipped ambulances, with eight advanced life support units designated to strengthen the National Emergency Ambulance Service Center and the 999 emergency response system. Six ambulances dedicated to reproductive and maternal health services will be deployed to Elgeyo Marakwet, Marsabit, Siaya, Samburu, and Tana River counties, underserved areas where distance and delay too often cost lives.

Addressing maternal mortality, Dr. Janabi emphasized that "pregnancy is not a disease. It's a physiological change of the body, so no one is supposed to die." The equipment includes 952 items of reproductive and maternal health commodities and equipment, along with training models designed to improve obstetric care, family planning services, and post-abortion care, particularly in remote areas.

Additionally, the package comprises 230 medical oxygen cylinders and nearly 3,000 emergency prevention and response supplies to ensure frontline facilities are prepared for outbreaks, health emergencies, and critical care needs.

Dr. Joyce Onsongo, representing WHO's Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) programme in Kenya, showcased 6.5 million tablets for mass treatment of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths in 15 counties. "We have been doing this for the last 10 years, and this country, through your leadership, is reaching the end of many of these diseases."

President Ruto emphasized the government's commitment to health system transformation: "We are implementing comprehensive healthcare reforms in partnership with county governments and development partners to advance the universal health coverage programme. Our focus is to ensure that every Kenyan accesses high quality health services."

The new resources will strengthen emergency referral care, expand oxygen capacity, help reduce maternal and newborn deaths in high burden counties, and improve Kenya's readiness to respond to cholera, Mpox, and other public health threats.

"WHO commends Kenya's commitment to universal health coverage and is proud to stand with Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, county governments, and frontline health workers as we build a system where no one is left behind," Dr. Janabi concluded.