Over 250 exhibitors and 8,000 professionals from more than 30 countries are set to convene at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in September 4-6, 2024 for the return of Medic East Africa.
This premier healthcare and medical laboratory event, alongside Medlab East Africa, aims to foster critical dialogues on primary healthcare, financial strategies, and leadership in the healthcare sector.
The gathering is set against the backdrop of East Africa’s healthcare challenges, characterized by a stark shortage of medical professionals, with only 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people.
Non-communicable diseases continue to rise, contributing to more than a quarter of all deaths in the region.
Infant mortality remains high, with 49 deaths per 1,000 live births, nearly double the target set by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Similarly, maternal mortality rates are alarmingly distant from the goal of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
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Amid these challenges, Kenya shines as a beacon of innovation and progress in healthcare delivery
The country has been actively investing in healthcare infrastructure and expanding access through digital innovations like telemedicine.
Driven by a commitment to meet UN healthcare goals by 2030, Dr. Joseph Lenai, Acting Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Services at Kenya’s Ministry of Health, emphasizes the role of innovation and strategic partnerships.
"Innovation and prosperous partnerships are central to our country’s efforts to meet UN healthcare objectives by 2030," Lenai said.
Kenya’s trajectory also includes advancements in clinical trials and bolstering vaccine production capabilities.
Partnering with the International Vaccine Institute, Kenya aims to strengthen its capacity to develop vaccines for diseases such as cholera, measles, rubella, and typhoid.
Additionally, significant investments totalling US$50 million are allocated to vaccine projects at BioVax and the Kenya Medical Research Institute, signalling robust growth in the healthcare sector.
Tom Coleman, Senior Exhibitions Director, expressed enthusiasm about Medic East Africa’s collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Health, highlighting the event’s potential to foster innovative solutions for the region's healthcare challenges.
"Medic East Africa is proud to be hosting this regional event in partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Health," Coleman stated.
"Support from key supporting organisations in the health sector will go a long way to ensuring that solutions to the region's most pressing healthcare needs come out of this gathering."
Supported by prominent entities like the Association of Kenya Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers and the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals, the event promises insightful panel discussions, networking opportunities, and showcases of cutting-edge technologies in medical laboratories, imaging, and diagnostics.
Reflecting on the impact of networking at last year's conference, Harun Aseka, sales manager for a healthcare solutions provider, emphasized the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in reshaping healthcare delivery across the region.
"I met great clients whom I believe will play a pivotal role in the transformation of the healthcare system," Aseka said.
In essence, Medic East Africa 2024 embodies a collective endeavour to catalyse healthcare advancements that transcend borders and address East Africa's healthcare challenges comprehensively.
As stakeholders converge in Nairobi, the event is poised to drive meaningful change and innovation, paving the way for enhanced healthcare outcomes across the region.
