Home / Health / US Aid to Kenya: Health Deal Sparks Data Privacy Fears
US Aid to Kenya: Health Deal Sparks Data Privacy Fears
5 Dec
Summary
- US pledged $1.7bn for Kenya's health sector, with Kenya contributing $850m.
- The agreement targets HIV/Aids, malaria, TB, maternal care, and polio.
- Concerns arise over potential US access to sensitive Kenyan patient medical data.
The United States has committed $1.7 billion to Kenya's health sector under a new agreement, signaling a shift towards direct government-to-government aid. This 'America First Global Health Strategy' aims to combat diseases like HIV/Aids and malaria, improve maternal care, and bolster responses to outbreaks, with Kenya contributing $850 million and gradually increasing its responsibility.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the deal as a "landmark agreement," emphasizing Kenya's role as a key ally and its contributions to global stability. The strategy prioritizes channeling funds directly to partner governments, intending to reduce waste and enhance efficiency, rather than solely relying on aid agencies and charities.
Despite assurances from Kenyan Minister Duale that health data is secure and protected by Kenyan law, significant public apprehension persists. Advocates are demanding full transparency regarding the agreement, expressing fears that personal medical information, including HIV status and vaccination records, could be accessible to the US, prompting calls for the full pact's disclosure.
