Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has been appointed to chair a task force under the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)-led Continental Immunisation Forum.
In a letter dated October 15, 2026, Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya appointed Muthoni to lead Task Force 4, which focuses on country alignment, partnerships and accelerating the delivery of immunisation programmes across the continent.
The task force is part of the Continental Immunisation Forum, an Africa-led platform established to strengthen political leadership, accountability, investment and coordinated action in implementing the Continental Immunisation Strategy 2026-2030.
In her new role, Muthoni will support coordination among governments and development partners to ensure immunisation programmes are aligned with individual countries’ priorities and health needs.
Health PS Mary Muthoni after receiving her appointment letter as chair of Africa CDC’s Continental Immunization Forum Task Force 4 at Afya House, Nairobi, on October 23, 2026.
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MoH
She will also draw on implementation experience from member states to help address challenges affecting vaccine delivery, strengthen partnerships and promote accountability for commitments made under the continental strategy.
According to the appointment letter seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the task force chair will work with African Union member states and partners while respecting national ownership of immunisation programmes and existing AU governance structures.
Kaseya congratulated Muthoni on her appointment, saying the role would place her at the centre of efforts to strengthen cooperation and improve the delivery of immunisation programmes across Africa.
“We would be honoured by your chairing in Task Force 4 during this inaugural Continental Immunisation Forum,” Kaseya wrote, inviting her to take up the leadership position.
The appointment comes ahead of the inaugural Continental Immunisation Forum meeting scheduled for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 23 to 26, 2026.
The meeting will take place alongside the International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA).
The gathering is expected to provide a platform for African leaders and health partners to discuss ways of strengthening political commitment, coordinating investments and improving accountability for immunisation targets.
The appointment adds to Muthoni’s growing continental leadership roles after she was elected Chairperson of the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health on May 5 this year.
Health PS Mary Muthoni (in red) with the Africa CDC’s team at Afya House, Nairobi, on October 23, 2026.
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MoH