NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has moved to allay fears of a drug shortage for patients battling HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, amid concerns over disrupted donor funding.
Speaking during an interview with TV47, Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni assured Kenyans that there are sufficient medical supplies to sustain treatment programs across the country.
“All is well, and nobody will go without treatment or medication for HIV, malaria, and TB,” she said.
Muthoni revealed that the Ministry of Health is currently repurposing and realigning key programs to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency in disease management.
“We are reviewing our HIV and TB programs. We have to repurpose and align them to current needs. We are also reallocating resources accordingly,” she added.
Her comments come amid anxiety among thousands of patients whose lifesaving medication has largely been funded by the United States since 2003.
Concerns escalated after a 90-day suspension of USAID funding was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20—a move that could cost Kenya more than Ksh25 billion annually in health support.
Global Fund Steps In with Ksh59.7 Billion Boost
In response, the government has secured alternative financing. On June 24, the Ministry of Health signed four grants with the Global Fund, totaling Ksh59.7 billion ($407.9 million).
The funds are earmarked for HIV, TB, and malaria interventions, along with health system strengthening initiatives.
According to a joint statement from the Ministry and the Global Fund, the breakdown of the grants is as follows:
- HIV: $232.6 million
- Malaria: $72.9 million
- TB: $67.8 million
- Health systems strengthening: $34.7 million
The funding will support procurement of medicines, lab equipment, and testing kits, in addition to enhancing community-level care under the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“It will contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage through comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, and care,” the statement read.
Aiming to Cut Malaria Deaths by 75% by 2027
Part of the funding will also support Kenya’s goal to reduce malaria incidence and deaths by 75% by 2027.
The grants will finance community outreach, pay insurance premiums for HIV, TB, and malaria patients, and strengthen healthcare systems at both facility and grassroots levels.
Despite the shifting global funding landscape, the Ministry maintains that Kenya’s commitment to fighting these diseases remains strong.
“The government has already allocated funds to ensure continued access to medication and treatment,” Muthoni affirmed.
