Kenya and Tanzania have agreed to join forces in the fight against coronavirus pandemic, following a meeting between Kenya’s Minister of Health Mutahi Kagwe and his Counterpart Dr. Doroth Gwajima.
The two met at Afya House and made recommendations for discussion and adoption of their subsequent deliberations during Dr. Gwajima. ’s visit.
“Our subsequent deliberations following the meetings we have resolved several issues pertaining to the COVID 19 fight which are contained in a joint communique,” said CS Kagwe.
The two ministers tackled cross border issues that involve citizens of both countries such as transport COVID-19 testing and validation systems for those leaving and entering both countries among other issues.
Dr. Gwijambo urged both countries to maintain the spirit of uniting the East African countries so as to exchange and make the region friendly for everyone.
“We have become a family very strong, bold and our spirit now have been very well united for future and let’s keep so that we enable East Africa one, we can manage our problems. We have enough solutions, enough experience,“ said Dr. Gwajima.
She said Tanzanians have since grown confidence in COVID-19 vaccine, amid the ongoing vaccination programme in the country that kicked off the exercise on July 28.
The exercise was first presented to Tanzanians when the country’s Head of State Samia Suluhu took a short on the arm.
The move marked a break with her predecessor, John Magufuli, a prominent coronavirus skeptic, who died in March from heart complications.
The late Dr. Magufuli did not believe in the existence of virus, neither the value of its vaccines, and Tanzania did not sign up to vaccination campaigns.
CS Kagwe said the Tanzanian Health minister will be visiting some of Kenya’s Health facilities to explore the possibility of collaborations in other health aspects.
