Kenya receives Sh40 billion HIV response boost from the US
The United States Embassy in Nairobi, through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program (PEPFAR) has approved $345 million (Kes40.6 billion) in support of the Kenya HIV response programs.
The funds allocated through the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan (COP) 2022 will be implemented from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, in support of critical solutions enabling Kenya to maintain epidemic control.
“Since the beginning of PEPFAR, Kenya has been at the forefront and a leader in the global HIV response. We have much to learn from your success and I look forward to deepening this productive partnership during my time as ambassador,” said newly appointed US Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, Ambassador John Nkengasong.
Kenya is one of a few countries nearing successful control of the HIV epidemic and reaching UNAIDS 95:95:95 goals.
PEPFAR funding will ensure Kenya’s HIV response will reach all populations and sustain the achievements in HIV control.
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The joint commitments of the government of Kenya, the Global Fund, and PEPFAR will further build a strong foundation for achieving sustainability in every aspect of the program.
“The journey to reach this Kenya COP22 approval has been marked by excellent collaboration with all stakeholders and we’re confident that the jointly developed plan will make a real difference to the people of Kenya, especially those Kenyans living with HIV,” remarked Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy Nairobi, Eric Watnik.
In February, the US proposed a massive cut to its annual funding for Kenya’s HIV programmes.
PEPFAR complained Kenya has become one of its biggest beneficiaries since 2003 but is doing too little to increase domestic funding to fight HIV.
In 2017, PEPFAR gave Kenya $570 million, which was reduced to $500 million in 2018 and further to $370 million in 2019.
In 2020, the amount slightly rose to $375 million but dropped to $365 million in 2021 and $345 million this year.
PEPFAR contributes over 50 percent of total HIV/Aids funds in Kenya every year.
The rest comes from Global Fund, while the government mainly pays salaries of health workers involved in HIV response.
