NAIROBI, Kenya — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 amid growing concerns over global health financing pressures.
Duale spoke during a high-level bilateral meeting with Angeli Achrekar on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Kenya highlights HIV progress
During the meeting, Duale said Kenya has continued to make progress in expanding HIV treatment access, preventing mother-to-child transmission, and strengthening community health systems.
However, he noted that the country still faces significant challenges in combating the disease.
According to the Health CS, about 1.33 million Kenyans are currently living with HIV, with a national prevalence rate of approximately 3.0 pc.
He added that Kenya still records an estimated 20,000 new HIV infections and more than 21,000 AIDS-related deaths annually.
Children, adolescents, young women, and key populations remain among the most affected groups.
Financing concerns raised
The discussions also focused on the growing pressure facing global health financing systems.
Duale warned that funding disruptions could reverse gains made in HIV response programmes across Africa.
He said critical areas at risk include healthcare workforce stability, commodity supply chains, and community-led health interventions.
Shift toward sustainable healthcare
The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya is gradually transitioning toward a more sustainable HIV response through integration within Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He noted that the transition is anchored under the Social Health Authority framework.
Duale also highlighted the Kenya–United States Government-to-Government Health Cooperation Framework as a key model supporting stronger public health systems and reducing donor dependency.
Senior officials attend a meeting
The meeting brought together several senior Kenyan health officials and diplomats.
Those present included Dr. Fancy Too, Dr. Patrick Amoth, Anthony Lenaiyara, Dr. Andrew Mutava Mulwa, and Dr. Bashir Issak.
Kenya is currently serving its fifth consecutive term on the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, reinforcing its role in shaping regional and global HIV response strategies.
