Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe is calling for more investments in research and new innovations to better deal with current and emerging health concerns.
“Innovation is needed both in developing new tools and technologies and in ensuring these vital tools reach those communities who need them – where and when they are needed most”, said Kagwe. He said it was imperative for regional and international players to focus on partnerships in local Research & Development and manufacturing of public health tools and commodities adding that local quality manufacturing will also help ensure stability and affordability of commodities supply.
Speaking at the same forum, Dr. Lutz Hegemann, President, Global Health & Sustainability at Novartis said it was important for the private sector to focus on access to ensure that innovations are available to as many patients as possible.