Human Immunodeficiency Virus( HIV) continues to be a major public health challenge in Kenya, with approximately 1.4 million individuals living with the virus, despite notable progress in treatment, prevention and education, the country still faces significant challenges such as gender inequality, stigma, limited healthcare access,funding gaps and insufficient medical supplies.
For Instance in Kenya, the supply chain supporting People Living with HIV is efficiently coordinated by KEMSA, MEDS, MOH, and county governments and is significantly supported by international donors, such as the Global Fund, PEPFAR, and other organizations. However, reliance on external funding poses a challenge, particularly in ensuring the sustainability of HIV programs.
Additionally, the recent decision by the United States government to suspend funding for various global health programs, including HIV/AIDS initiatives, has placed additional strain on Kenya’s response to the epidemic.
Despite these financial challenges, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, acknowledged the critical role that international partners have played in strengthening the country’s HIV response.
Barasa was speaking during official launching of the shipment of essential HIV commodities at the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS).
She said that the milestone underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring continued access to life-saving HIV treatment and prevention resources, amidst global funding uncertainties
Among the flagged-off commodities were ; Antiretroviral Therapy (ART),
Abacavir/Lamivudine 120/60mg Dispersible tablets among others essential commodities.
According to the Survey , there are currently 8,330,300 tests at KEMSA and MEDS which translate to 10 months of stock.
Additionally, there are 1,483,125 tests of the HIV/Syphilis duo test kit (Standard Q) that is used for screening in ANC settings, translating to 14.5 months of stock.
One Step: Currently, there are 565,575 tests translating to 21.8 months of stock.
First Response : Currently there are 348,770 tests at KEMSA and MEDS translating 21 months of stocks.
Early Infant Diagnosis (EID):
Dr. Barasa emphasized the need for innovative solutions to :Strengthen local manufacturing of pharmaceutical and healthcare products to enhance HIV commodity security and foster sustainable growth,
Integrate HIV patients into the national health insurance scheme to ensure swift distribution of essential commodities, to improve efficiency and track commodity distribution.
Empower communities to lead in the fight against stigma, and to act as a bridge between the healthcare system and those who need it most
She said that as the country Kenya continues to build a resilient healthcare system under the President’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, collaboration among all stakeholders remains essential.