Kenya Has Sufficient ARVs For HIV Patients, Govt Assures Amid Aid Freeze

Health Director General at the Ministry of Health Patrick Amoth has assured that Kenya is well-prepared to address any occurrences arising from events beyond control, such as the recent freeze on US-funded HIV medications.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Amoth acknowledged the numerous executive orders issued by US President Donald Trump, particularly those related to health, and their impact on Kenya’s healthcare programs

“We are cognizant of the information coming from the US government, but I want to assure Kenyans that we have sufficient stocks of HIV commodities,” he said.

“We have strengthened our supply chain in the last two years to ensure at any given time we have more than six months of stocks.”

Amoth noted that the country has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, largely supported by global initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

He stated that out of the estimated 1,377,784 people living with HIV, 1,352,657 (98 per cent) know their status, have been diagnosed, and are accessing treatment.

Additionally, 1,299,330 (94 per cent) of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression, highlighting the success of effective collaboration where Kenya is achieving the 95:95:95 targets.

He warned of potential disruptions, including interruptions in HIV treatment for thousands, increased risks of drug resistance and a possible rise in mother-to-child transmission.

The Ministry of Health has managed to reduce mother-to-child transmission from as high as 15 per cent ten years ago to the current 7.1 per cent, just shy of the elimination target of five per cent.

Amoth acknowledged that the freeze on US-funded HIV medications and the cessation of technical assistance threaten to disrupt years of progress made in controlling the HIV epidemic.

“This poses a risk to the continued treatment of thousands of Kenyans, potentially leading to drug resistance and an increase in mother-to-child transmission,” he said.

In response to these challenges, Kenya is taking proactive measures to mitigate the negative effects and ensure the continuity of healthcare services.

“The Ministry of Health is actively engaging with other development partners, international agencies, and private sector stakeholders to secure alternative resources and fill gaps in the supply of essential medicines,” Amoth said.

He also stressed the importance of regional and global solidarity to support health financing, ensuring that critical healthcare services continue to reach those in need.

Trump’s announcement of the withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the freezing of foreign aid, including support for critical programs like PEPFAR, marks a pivotal moment with far-reaching consequences for countries around the world, including Kenya.