𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚  – Dr. Mai Hijazi, Director of the Office of Health Systems at USAID’s Bureau for Global Health, visited the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) on December 11, 2024, meeting with CEO Dr. F.M. Siyoi to discuss critical public health issues and the role of regulation in safeguarding Kenyans’ health.

During the meeting, Dr. Siyoi emphasized the PPB’s regulatory role in ensuring access to quality medical products, highlighting the Board’s progress in improving public health outcomes and its commitment to maintaining high standards in the country’s healthcare system.

The conversation also focused on increasing the capacity of local pharmaceutical manufacturing, with more companies showing interest in establishing production facilities in Kenya. Dr. Hijazi acknowledged PPB’s efforts in optimizing resources for regulation, particularly the support for local manufacturers, and reiterated USAID’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s regulatory framework.

She praised the PPB’s ongoing progress toward meeting the World Health Organization’s Maturity Level 3 standards, which would enhance the country’s regulatory capacity.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Mildred Shieshia, Resident Advisor for the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), Milcah Choge from USAID, the USAID PQM+ team, and PPB’s leadership, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration to improve Kenya’s public health systems and regulatory capacity.