Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. /ISAAC MWAURA/XThe government has assured HIV patients in the country of continued supply of medication in response to US President Donald Trump's decision to halt funding to anti-HIV programmes globally.
Trump's temporary pause of funding put the treatment of 40 million people globally in jeopardy, including over 1.3 million Kenyans currently living with the virus.
But in a statement on Wednesday, state spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the government was pursuing alternative funding to ensure the treatment regimen of HIV patients in Kenya is not disrupted.
"The government assures all affected individuals that we are committed to your well-being. The government is actively mobilising local resources, seeking new partnerships and donors to ensure that your treatment and care continue uninterrupted," Mwaura said.
"Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to provide the necessary support during this challenging time."
HIV remains a leading cause of deaths globally with data showing 39.9 million people globally were living with HIV as at 2023.
About a third of this number are residents in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed concern that Trump's decision to freeze funding towards the care of those living with HIV could have dire health consequences as it would limit access to diagnostics, medicines, and treatment particularly in low and middle-income countries.
“A funding halt for HIV programmes can put people living with HIV at immediate increased risk of illness and death and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries,” the WHO said in a statement.
Kenya marked 40 years last year since the first HIV case was reported in the country, with renewed committment to end AIDS by 2030.
The event on December 1, 2024, coincided with the launch of a 10-year HIV Progress Report, which underscored Kenya’s significant milestones since then.
The report showed that an estimated 1.378 million Kenyans are living with HIV, with 97 per cent receiving treatment through a robust network of 3,752 treatment sites.
“We have made great strides, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Persistent inequalities must be addressed to sustain our progress,” Health CS Deborah Barasa emphasised.
She said Kenya is on track to meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2025—achieving 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed to access treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.
The CS acknowledged the critical role international partners such as PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS were playing in supporting Kenya’s journey towards an AIDS-free future.
“Their contributions have been instrumental, but sustained collaboration at both global and local levels is essential to achieve our shared vision,” she said.
