Written by Lisa Murimi
The Ministry of Health has announced plans to mitigate the impact of US funding cuts, particularly to the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has played a pivotal role in supporting HIV/AIDS programs in Kenya.Â
During a stakeholders’ meeting on March 12, Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa revealed that the government had developed a health sector transitional roadmap to ensure continued service delivery.
The roadmap focuses on essential commodities, human resources, and healthcare infrastructure.
Barasa acknowledged the inevitability of funding cuts, noting that Kenya’s shift from a low-income to a lower-middle-income status had prompted donors to signal an exit by 2030.
“We have anticipated this shift,” Barasa stated, stressing the importance of securing alternative funding from other bilateral donors.
She also called on Members of Parliament to advocate for increased budget allocations to the health sector, particularly for HIV and other programs previously funded by the US.
“The progress we have made in HIV response is at risk,” Barasa warned.
In response to the funding freeze, the US announced a 90-day limited waiver on PEPFAR, allowing continued HIV testing and care services.
However, stakeholders remain concerned that this may not be enough to curb the spread of diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.
