The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has committed an additional $6.6 million (Sh705 million) for Covid-19 activities in Kenya to support prevention, preparedness and response. 

The additional resources will be used for surveillance, laboratory supplies and strengthening, and surge staffing costs.

Nearly $1.8 million (Sh193 million) will be immediately released to support critical needs for the Covid-19 response. 

This funding will be used to procure diagnostic sampling and testing supplies, provide county-level support, expand surveillance of Covid-19, and support health care workers in infection prevention and control practices among other key activities.

US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter said in a statement: “With an annual investment of more than Sh60 billion in annual support to Kenya’s health sector, USA Marifiki has been committed to the health of Kenyans well before Covid-19. 

“However, our commitment goes beyond funding – it’s in our contribution to national policies, to investing in the healthcare workforce and to strengthening health systems.

We have been working alongside Kenya’s public health officials for more than five decades.”