Kenya has sufficient stocks of HIV and Aids medication, the Ministry of Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth has announced allaying fears of looming scarcity of the critical care supplies amid funding freeze by the US government.

In his latest moves to check federal government spending, US President Donald Trump has sent a memo to contractors and partners working with USAID, instructing them to stop work immediately as part of a wide plan to slam brakes on US aid and funding to non-essential programmes.

"The Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to sustaining HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programmes, following the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the freezing of global health aid, including PEPFAR funding," said the Ministry in a statement.

Dr. Amoth acknowledged executive orders issued by 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. 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.”

Kenya and the US have had a longstanding partnership which has played a critical role in strengthening HIV programs and disease prevention through initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), noted Dr. Amoth.

“Kenya has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 98 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status and on treatment, and 94 percent achieving viral suppression. The Ministry is actively engaging with other development partners and investing in local pharmaceutical manufacturing to prevent treatment disruptions,” he remarked.

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

Dr. Amoth also acknowledged that the freeze on US-funded HIV medications and the consequent cessation of technical assistance threatens 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.” 

Meanwhile, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced that authorities are mobilizing local resources and seeking new partnerships to ensure the treatment of HIV patients is not interrupted.

"In light of the recent halt in funding and support for HIV patients by the Trump administration, the government assures all affected individuals that we are committed to your well-being. 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," he noted.

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