The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in healthcare supply chain management.
The agency is leveraging technology and real-time data tracking to enhance distribution efficiency and prevent stockouts in health facilities.
Speaking during the flagging off of a consignment of essential HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria medicines, KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa, acknowledged the role of KEMSA’s award-winning Integrated Logistics Management System, which helps monitor commodity needs and stock movement in health facilities.
He emphasized that the flag off event was not just about distributing of medical supplies but about reaffirming the government’s commitment to universal healthcare access.
Hope for a Healthier Future
Dr. Wako said, the initiative which was led by the Ministry of Health in partnership with KEMSA through its agency the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) and key development partners, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguard the health of persons living with HIV.
“Today’s flag-off of HIV, TB, and malaria commodities is a demonstration of partnership and commitment. It underscores the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health and KEMSA, working through MEDS, to ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving medicines,” the CEO stated.
Adding that “Today, we flag off more than just medicine, we flag off hope, resilience, and the promise of a healthier future for Kenya,” he said.
Through collaborations with organizations such as PEPFAR and USAID, the government continues to secure life-saving medical supplies for millions of citizens across the country.
Over 1 million people living with HIV will benefit from the antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) included in the shipment, ensuring continuity of treatment and moving Kenya closer to the 95-95-95 global HIV targets.
Similarly, the TB commodities will ensure that patients receive timely, full-course treatment, reducing drug resistance and transmission rates with Kenya reporting approximately 140,000 TB cases annually.
Over 3.5 million malaria cases are recorded in Kenya annually, therefore KEMSA notes that the supplies will be prioritized for high-burden regions such as Western Kenya, the Lake Region, and the Coastal areas, reinforcing the government’s strategy to lower mortality and transmission rates.
Stronger Health System
The CEO highlighted the long-term impact of the initiative, stating that ensuring the availability of these medicines will lead to a reduced disease burden, strengthened health systems, and improved national productivity.
“By ensuring consistent access to medicines, we will see lower transmission rates of HIV and TB, fewer malaria-related hospitalizations, and a healthier population contributing to national development,” he said.
