Kenya, Pfizer join forces to slash medicine costs

(L) Nairobi County Reproductive Health Coordinator Robina Anene, Pfizer’s Tshoki Kobue, and Phillips Therapeutics CEO Newton Siele launch the private sector DMPA-SC contraceptive at Pullman Hotel, Upper Hill. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Kenya’s health system is set for a transformation following a major agreement with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer aimed at tackling the global health equity gap and significantly reducing the cost of essential medicines in the country.

From life-threatening infections to complex cancers, millions in Kenya and across the Global South struggle to access treatment due to high prices, limited availability, and fragile health systems.

Globally, health disparities continue to dictate who receives care, with Pfizer estimating that up to 1.2 billion people in 45 low- and lower-middle-income countries are affected by this inequity.

Many patients in these regions wait years, if not decades, to access breakthrough therapies that are already available elsewhere.

In response to this challenge, the Ministry of Health and Pfizer officially launched the Accord for a Healthier World on Tuesday.

The partnership is designed to expand access to more than 140 essential medicines and vaccines under a not-for-profit model, making them significantly more affordable in both public and private healthcare settings.

“This partnership with Pfizer is a timely boost to our Universal Health Coverage agenda,” said Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services.

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“We are not only expanding access to high-quality, life-saving medicines, but also addressing the systemic issues that prevent Kenyans from receiving proper care.”

With this agreement, Kenya becomes the 14th country globally, and the 13th in Africa, to sign a framework under the Accord.

The Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) will be able to procure Pfizer’s entire portfolio of current and future medicines, which includes hundreds of products.

Approximately 40 percent of these are listed as essential by the World Health Organization (WHO). The portfolio covers a wide range of conditions, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, infectious diseases, and critical antibiotics used in intensive care units.

Speaking during the launch, Nick Lagunowich, Global President for Emerging Markets at Pfizer, underscored the company’s mission to improve health equity.

“Everyone, no matter where they live or their income level, should have access to the medicines and vaccines they need,” he said.

“This partnership isn’t just about product supply. It’s about collaborating to close system-level gaps that have blocked access for too long.”

Dr Oluga highlighted that prices for many treatments will be reduced by up to 60 per cent.

He explained that some biologic drugs, which previously cost over one million shillings per dose, will now be available for about Sh90,000.

In some cases, medicines that cost Sh29,000 per vial will be brought down to Sh12,000. This cost reduction will apply across the board to both public and private hospitals, improving affordability and predictability in healthcare budgeting.

In addition, this move aligns treatment prices with the tariffs set under the newly formed Social Health Authority (SHA), easing the financial burden on patients.

The partnership also includes investments in health system strengthening, such as supply chain improvements, policy support, and expanded research capacity.

Notably, the initiative will introduce competency-based in-service training for healthcare professionals.

This approach involves assessing the performance of nurses, doctors, and clinical officers in real-time hospital settings, followed by targeted training to improve service delivery and compassionate care.

Oluga emphasised that this collaboration addresses two critical goals: ensuring patients have a good experience when seeking care and achieving better health outcomes.

He acknowledged ongoing challenges in Kenya’s health system, including complaints around malpractice and negligence, and said that the government is committed to addressing these issues not only through policy but also by improving the skills and attitudes of frontline health workers.

The launch also addressed concerns around Kenya’s economic transition and its implications for donor support.

As the country has been reclassified as a lower-middle-income nation, funding from global initiatives like the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) is expected to reduce over time.

Oluga explained that this new economic status requires Kenya to take more responsibility for its health financing.

“You can’t be a middle-income country and still expect to line up for relief. There’s no dignity in being poor. We must now invest in our health system,” he said.

Pfizer has already reached more than 200,000 patients in other participating countries under the Accord.

The company views Kenya as a strategic partner in demonstrating how collaborative efforts can make health systems more equitable and sustainable.

“This is more than just a medical deal. It’s a blueprint for how public-private partnerships can reshape healthcare for generations to come,” said Lagunowich.

“Together, we’re rewriting the narrative of who gets to live, thrive, and access tomorrow’s science today.”