Nairobi: In a significant step towards strengthening Kenya’s HIV response, the Ministry of Health has flagged off a shipment of essential HIV supplies at the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), an event presided over by Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa. This comes at a crucial time as the country grapples with funding uncertainties, stigma, and supply chain challenges.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Barasa underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving HIV treatment and prevention resources. “This milestone is a testament to our unwavering dedication to safeguarding the health of People Living with HIV, even as we navigate global funding constraints,” she affirmed. The CS noted that Kenya has an estimated 1.4 million people living with HIV, and ensuring a steady supply of critical commodities is key to managing the epidemic.
She disclosed that the flagged-off consignment includes Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), HIV testing kits, early infant diagnosis reagents, viral load testing supplies, and male condoms. According to Dr. Barasa, among the key highlights is the availability of 2,026,555 packs of ART at KEMSA and MEDS, with additional shipments expected to increase stocks to over 11 months’ supply by June 2025.
She further assured that paediatric formulations are also well stocked, with plans underway to introduce a fixed-dose combination of Abacavir, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir from August 2025 to enhance treatment for children. Dr. Barasa emphasised the importance of the supplies, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants at risk of vertical HIV transmission. “Currently, we have over 510,000 bottles of Nevirapine suspension for infant prophylaxis, ensuring that newborns exposed to HIV get the best possible start in life,” she added.
In addition to treatment, the Health CS noted that testing remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s HIV response and that the country has fully transitioned to a 3-test algorithm to enhance accuracy in HIV diagnosis. She revealed that stock levels for testing kits are currently robust, with 8.3 million Trinscreen tests available, translating to a 10-month supply, as well as dual HIV/Syphilis screening kits for antenatal care settings, which stand at 1.4 million tests, covering 14.5 months of demand.
Moreover, the CS echoed that the Ministry is also focusing on improving early infant diagnosis (EID) and viral load testing, with Kenya having 18,432 EID tests in stock and an additional 52,608 tests expected by April 2025 to ensure continued service delivery. “Meanwhile, 446,436 viral load tests are available, covering 3.5 months of stock, with more reagents being expedited for delivery,” she asserted.
Recognising the role of preventive measures, she said the Ministry has also prioritised the distribution of male condoms, with over 1.6 million pieces currently available and an additional 93 million under procurement. The CS expressed that despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring supply chain continuity in remote areas, addressing stigma, and digitising drug distribution systems.
Dr. Barasa called for innovative solutions to enhance Kenya’s HIV response, stating, “We must strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce dependency on external funding and ensure a steady supply of essential medicines.” She also emphasised the need for policy reforms, particularly in integrating HIV patients into the national health insurance scheme. “Ensuring that every HIV patient is covered under our Universal Health Coverage agenda will go a long way in streamlining access to treatment and other medical supplies,” stressed the CS.
Dr. Barasa maintained that beyond logistics, community engagement remains key in the fight against HIV/AIDS, highlighting the importance of grassroots initiatives in combating stigma and ensuring that patients access care without fear of discrimination. “We must empower communities to take the lead in breaking down stigma and creating a supportive environment for those living with HIV,” she urged.
The CS admitted that Kenya’s HIV response has significantly benefitted from partnerships with international donors such as the Global Fund and PEPFAR, despite the recent shift in U.S. funding policies, which has raised concerns about long-term sustainability. Dr. Barasa acknowledged the challenges; however, the CS reaffirmed Kenya’s resilience, declaring, “While external funding has played a crucial role, we must now take bold steps toward self-reliance by investing in sustainable healthcare solutions.”
“In the interim, as Kenya works towards an HIV-free future, the Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening its health systems, ensuring efficient distribution of HIV commodities, and fostering collaborations with stakeholders,” she added. Dr. Barasa noted that the latest shipment is a crucial step in securing uninterrupted access to life-saving interventions and reinforcing Kenya’s fight against HIV/AIDS.