(Ecofin Agency) - The Kenyan health sector faces many challenges. To address some of those challenges and make the sector more inclusive, the government seeks cooperation with international partners.  

South Korea will offer its vaccine and drug manufacturing expertise to strengthen Kenya's health sector. The information was disclosed by the Kenyan Ministry of Health in a release dated Thursday, May 11, 2023. 

According to the release, the two countries will exchange technology. The partnership also covers “health financing, management information systems, and health commodity security.”

“This partnership between Kenya and South Korea will go a long way in boosting the country’s healthcare sector, as local manufacturing of vaccines and pharmaceuticals will not only reduce costs but also ensure their availability, especially in the remote areas,” the release reads. 

The news comes as the East African country is preparing to establish the Kenya Biovax Institute, a local vaccine, and pharmaceuticals manufacturing center. 

Kenya faces many health challenges, including high maternal and child mortality and a heavy burden of infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

According to UNICEF, by 2020, more than 88 percent of children were fully immunized, up from 84 percent in 2014 with an 80 percent increase in vaccine procurement funding.