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Kenyatta Urges African Nations to Pursue Financial Independence at the EARGHSS 2025.
MOMBASA, 29th January, 2025: His Excellency President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta has called on African countries to adopt policies that will ensure the continent achieves financial independence. Speaking during his keynote address at the inaugural East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit (EARGHSS 2025) at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort Convention Centre in Mombasa County, Kenyatta emphasized the need for Africa to reduce its reliance on foreign aid, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved through self-sufficiency.
Kenyatta emphasised that Africa must take charge of her own future rather than wait for rescue from elsewhere. “It is crucial that we position ourselves at the forefront of any discussions on pandemics and proactively develop strategies to ensure we are fully prepared for such challenges” he added.
The EARGHSS 2025 is organized by a coalition of leading organizations, including the Kenya Ministry of Health, Kenya Vision 2030, Jumuiya Economic Development Secretariat, Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Eastern Africa Regional Coordination Centre (EA-RCC), Africa CDC, and Amref Health Africa and it brings together a wide range of participants, including policymakers, health professionals, academics, and leaders from the private sector.
Under the theme “Securing Health and Security One Community at a Time,” the three-day summit brings together leaders, health experts, and policymakers from 14 member states to strengthen regional collaboration on health security, preparedness, and innovation.
President (Rtd) Kenyatta also said “We must look into ways of getting prepared with our own resources, vaccines, research, academia and private sectors to face any future challenges and that funding has to come from ourselves. He reiterated that we have to begin to reprioritize what is important for Africans and determine where our resources should be channelled”.
The former Head of State stated that many devastations have been caused by the numerous unnecessary wars across the continent, such as in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and throughout the Sahel region. The former President emphasized that collaboration to end the wars and conflicts in the region must remain the most critical agenda for the African continent if it wants to move forward.
During his address, Kenyatta provided a clear overview of the measures his government implemented to navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, he highlighted both the resilience of Kenyans and the innovative strategies the country employed to sustain its economy, protect its citizens, and secure a path to recovery.
Other speakers at the summit included Cabinet Secretary for Health in Kenya, Dr. Deborah Barasa, Dr. Amit Thakker, Chairman of Africa Health Business (AHB), Dr. Dele Davies, University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor and Dr. Emmanuel K. Nzai CEO, Jumuiya Economic Development Secretariat & Chairman, Vision 2030 Board.
…ENDS…