Kenya and Angola agree to fast-track UHC plan and hospital reforms
By Kiprono Keileb, April 29, 2026Kenya and Angola have stepped up efforts to strengthen health systems, with both countries shifting focus from signed agreements to actual delivery of services that can be felt.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Ministry of Health said the renewed push follows high-level talks between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Angola’s Health Minister Sílvia Paula Valentim Lutucuta, where both sides reviewed progress and agreed on practical steps forward.
“Kenya and Angola are shifting from commitment to delivery in their growing health partnership, following high-level talks between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Angola’s Minister of Health, Sílvia Paula Valentim Lutucuta,” the statement reads.
The ministry further explained that the discussions focused on reviewing existing agreements and identifying areas where cooperation can produce real, measurable outcomes for both countries, especially in strengthening service delivery and access to healthcare.
The ministry noted that both governments are keen on moving beyond paperwork and ensuring that what has been agreed upon is implemented in a way that benefits ordinary citizens.
“The engagement reviewed progress under the Memorandum of Understanding and prioritised areas where cooperation can translate into measurable outcomes. At the centre was a shared resolve to move from agreements to implementation that strengthens health systems in both countries,” the statement reads.
Kenya also shared its experience in rolling out Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with ongoing reforms in primary healthcare and financing, offering lessons that Angola can adopt to its own system.
The ministry said this exchange shows a growing shift towards practical collaboration between African countries, where shared experiences are used to drive real change.
“Kenya’s experience in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) provided a practical reference point, drawing from ongoing reforms in primary healthcare, health financing, and service delivery. The exchange underscored a deliberate move toward results-driven South–South collaboration grounded in lived experience,” the statement reads
The ministry stated that the talks narrowed down on specific areas that can deliver quick results, including training, research, and improving healthcare financing systems, with both sides agreeing to focus on what can make an immediate difference. The ministry noted that the targeted approach is meant to ensure progress is visible while still working towards long-term health sector goals.
“While the partnership spans training, research, regulation, and financing, discussions focused on high-impact areas with immediate potential. This targeted approach is intended to deliver tangible gains while sustaining the broader long-term vision,” the statement reads.
A key area of focus was human resource development, where Kenya’s training institutions are expected to play a bigger role in supporting Angola’s workforce needs. Both countries agreed that strengthening technical teams and speeding up implementation structures will be key in ensuring the partnership delivers results.
“Human resources for health emerged as a key pillar. Angola’s investment in African training institutions aligns with Kenya’s capacity, positioning the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) as a strategic partner for tailored workforce development. Both sides emphasised the need to operationalise the Joint Technical Committee and Technical Working Group to accelerate implementation,” the statement reads.
The partnership also aims to boost innovation, with plans to expand digital health solutions and strengthen joint research efforts to improve access and quality of care. The ministry added that both countries are also aligning efforts in immunisation and malaria control, areas that continue to affect millions across the continent.
“On research and innovation, the focus shifts to co-creation—through joint research, faculty exchange, and scaling digital health solutions such as telemedicine and medical imaging to expand access and improve care delivery,” the statement reads.
“Shared priorities in immunisation and malaria control also featured prominently, with Kenya’s progress in coverage expansion and surveillance offering adaptable lessons for similar high-burden settings.”
To ensure the plans move forward, both governments committed to fast-tracking implementation and strengthening accountability mechanisms to track progress.
“To sustain momentum, both parties committed to fast-tracking implementation mechanisms, including finalising the Joint Technical Committee, rolling out the 2025–2030 Work Plan, and strengthening monitoring and accountability frameworks.”
“At its core, the partnership signals a shared vision for stronger, more inclusive health systems across Africa, with Angola emerging as a key partner in advancing that agenda,” the statement reads.