Global pharmaceutical company Bayer has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Kenya and the East African region, pledging continued investments in key healthcare areas while calling for stronger health systems capable of withstanding the growing impacts of climate change.
The company said it remains focused on expanding access to innovative medicines in ophthalmology, cardiology, women's health and family planning, while working with governments, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to address emerging health challenges across the region.
Speaking during a media breakfast engagement, Jorge Levinson, Country Division Head - Pharmaceutical Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company continues to view Kenya as a strategic market and is committed to deepening its presence through partnerships and investments aimed at improving patient outcomes.
"We operate across different specialities, including ophthalmology, cardiology, women's health and family planning. We keep investing and engaging with different organisations, associations and companies to keep expanding our footprint," said Jorge Levinson.
He noted that creating an enabling business environment remains critical for attracting investment into the healthcare sector, urging stronger enforcement against counterfeit medicines and parallel trade.
According to Jorge Levinson, substandard and counterfeit products not only endanger patients but also discourage innovation and investment by pharmaceutical companies seeking to introduce high-quality medicines into the market.
"We need to make sure that when you invest in the country, you will not get parallel trade and products that will hurt people because quality is not there," he said.
Beyond investment, Bayer highlighted climate change as an emerging threat to healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations and women who rely on continuous access to essential services.
Dr Jack Kileba, Medical Operations Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa, said climate-related events such as floods, droughts, rising temperatures and forced migration are increasingly disrupting healthcare systems across Africa.
He added that to address these challenges, Bayer is pursuing a three-pillar strategy centred on advancing science, strengthening health system resilience and promoting community engagement and education.
The company says resilient health systems should be capable of maintaining critical services even during climate-related emergencies.
"Resilience means that even during floods or when people have to migrate, women are still able to access antenatal care and family planning services," said Dr Kileba.
He emphasised that healthcare facilities and service providers must be prepared to continue serving communities despite extreme weather events and environmental disruptions.
According to Bayer, collaboration between governments, healthcare institutions, development partners and local communities will be essential in ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare.
The company also stressed the importance of public awareness and community education programmes, particularly among vulnerable groups exposed to climate-related health risks.
Dr Kileba cited outdoor workers as one example of populations facing increased health threats from rising temperatures, including conditions such as chronic kidney disease linked to prolonged heat exposure.
Through education initiatives, Bayer aims to equip communities with the knowledge needed to protect themselves from these risks while improving overall health outcomes.
As climate change continues to reshape public health challenges across Africa, Bayer says its investments and partnerships are intended to support stronger, more resilient healthcare systems capable of delivering quality care when communities need it most.
