President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on international pharmaceuticals to reduce the cost of medicines against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
He said fair pricing and ethical practices will ensure patients can afford the life-saving medicines.
President Kenyatta said access to essential medicines and technologies is key for effective management of NCDs.
“I call on non-state actors including the pharmaceutical industries and private health service providers to partner with governments to bring down costs of treatment through fair pricing and ethical practices,” said President Kenyatta.
He was addressing a plenary session on the prevention and control of NCDs at the ongoing 73rd session on United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The President said Kenya aims to guarantee access to quality NCD care through an integrated primary health care approach.
The move emphasises preventive and promotive health intervention that encourages the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
He added that the government has committed itself to investing in additional and sustainable domestic financing to halt and reverse the burden of NCDs.
President Kenyatta however called on the international community to consider putting in place an incentive fund to stimulate the development of national NCD and mental health interventions and policy coherence for low and middle-income countries.
He said under the Big-4 pillar , Universal Healthcare has prioritised early diagnosis, screening and treatment of chronic NCDs.
Kenya continues to make tremendous progress in implementing the 22 political commitments agreed upon seven years ago aimed at a 25 per cent reduction in premature mortality occasioned by NCDs in 2025.
[Video] Uhuru wants prices of drugs reduced: President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on international pharmaceuticals to reduce the cost of medicines for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Citizen TV is Keny… https://t.co/qXD3Qota8P
— Breaking News (@News_Kenya) September 28, 2018