PS Oluga holds talks with World Bank ahead of AU health summit

Kenya has begun preparations for the 22nd Extraordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) on Manufacturing of Health Products and Technologies, scheduled for December 3–5, 2026.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga on Wednesday held discussions with a World Bank delegation on preparations for the high-level meeting, which is expected to bring together African Heads of State, pharmaceutical manufacturers and other key stakeholders.

The summit will focus on advancing local manufacturing of health products across the continent, strengthening regional production capacity and improving access to quality and affordable medicines.

The meeting comes amid efforts to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported health products and technologies by expanding domestic production capabilities.

According to the Ministry of Health, the discussions centred on ongoing preparations for the summit, which is expected to advance the continent’s ambition of achieving greater self-reliance in the production of essential health products.

Director for Health Products and Technologies Dr. Nazila Ganatra and other Ministry of Health officials also attended the meeting.

The summit is expected to provide a platform for African countries and industry players to explore strategies for strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing and improving access to essential medical supplies across the continent.