The National Assembly (Standing Departmental Committee on Health), Council of Governors, the Ministry of Health, National Syndemic Diseases Control Council and other stakeholders, are intensifying efforts to safeguard access to life-saving HIV services as global funding dynamics shift.
Kenya has made remarkable strides in HIV prevention and treatment, largely due to the vital support provided by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. As of 2024, 98% of the approximately 1.4 million people living with HIV know their status, 98% are on treatment, and 94% have achieved viral suppression—a testament to the success of sustained investments in HIV care.
During a high-level meeting involving government officials, county representatives, and health sector partners, discussions focused on ensuring an uninterrupted supply of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, supporting healthcare workers, and sustaining essential HIV prevention programs. There was consensus on the urgency of strengthening domestic resource mobilization to maintain progress.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Debra Barasa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring no disruptions in HIV services, stating, “Our priority is to secure long-term, sustainable solutions for HIV treatment, care and support. We must work together to mobilize local resources and ensure that every Kenyan in need continues to receive treatment and prevention services.”
Vice-chairperson, HE Gov. Mutahi Kahiga, of the Council of Governors, emphasized the role of counties in sustaining HIV programs, noting, “Counties are at the frontline of healthcare service delivery. Strengthening county-level resource allocation and integrating HIV services into broader healthcare programs will be key to sustaining the response.”
The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Bosire, of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, announced the commencement of the development of the 3rd Kenya Strategic Framework for HIV and other syndemic diseases. This policy document will usher in new strategic pathways for a country-led and resilient response through 2030 and beyond.
Through an agreed communique, stakeholders committed to, among many priorities: reorganizing existing health workforce to support the re-engineered delivery of HIV services; building capacity of existing health workforce to support the HIV treatment, care and support; advocating for resources Human Resources for Health, life saving commodities and information systems; supporting local manufacturing of essential commodities such as antiretroviral drugs and condoms by guaranteeing uptake.
Stakeholders reiterated the importance of partnerships, innovation, and local ownership in securing Kenya’s HIV response for the future.