GENEVA — Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization for his leadership in advancing the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement, signed at the agency’s headquarters in Geneva on July 10.
The acknowledgment came during a high-level event led by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who credited the agreement’s adoption to “sustained political advocacy from the highest levels.”
“The adoption by the World Health Assembly of the Pandemic Agreement was a historic moment in global health,” Dr. Tedros said during the ceremony. “But we would not have reached that moment without guidance and commitment from world leaders.”
Former head of state Uhuru Kenyatta was among a select group of former and sitting heads of state celebrated for their contributions to the international pact, which aims to improve global readiness for future pandemics. The treaty focuses on coordination, transparency, and fair access to critical health resources.
Leaders from Chile and Tunisia, former President Sebastián Piñera and President Kais Saied, were also highlighted for their early support. Their countries received ceremonial plaques in recognition of their roles.
Kenya was honored alongside 24 other nations, including France, Germany, Indonesia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea. Other recognized countries included Albania, Costa Rica, Croatia, Fiji, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, and Northern Ireland.
The Pandemic Agreement stems from a 2021 initiative when 25 global leaders signed a joint commentary advocating for a unified health treaty. The deal has since evolved into a framework intended to ensure better access to vaccines, secure sharing of pathogen data, and streamlined international response mechanisms.
The WHO confirmed that implementation has already begun. A new intergovernmental group is overseeing key aspects of the treaty, including benefit-sharing policies and global surveillance protocols.
Former president Uhuru’s recognition reflects his broader push for multilateral cooperation during and after his presidency, especially in strengthening African health systems and pandemic readiness.
The WHO emphasized that the agreement marks a turning point in global health policy, centered on equity and shared responsibility among nations. The next steps include formalizing operational measures and ensuring member states uphold their obligations.
As work continues, the organization has urged governments to remain committed to the spirit of the agreement to avoid a repeat of the failures witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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