In response to the recent suspension of funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Kenya’s Ministry of Health is taking decisive steps to ensure the continuity of HIV treatment and prevention services. A key strategy involves integrating essential HIV commodities—such as test kits, antiretroviral drugs, and condoms—into the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme. This move aims to mitigate the impact of the funding shortfall and maintain uninterrupted care for individuals living with HIV.
Historically, Kenya’s HIV response has been heavily reliant on donor funding. In the 2021-2022 period, approximately 63.5% of the country’s HIV program funding originated from external sources, with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) contributing 37% of the total. The recent funding suspension has prompted concerns about potential disruptions in HIV services, including treatment availability and prevention initiatives.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health has proposed an increase in the government budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026. This budget augmentation is intended to support the inclusion of vital HIV commodities under the SHA, thereby reducing dependence on external donors and ensuring the sustainability of HIV programs.
In addition to financial restructuring, the Ministry is exploring partnerships with local pharmaceutical companies to bolster domestic production of antiretroviral medications. This approach aims to decrease reliance on foreign aid and enhance the resilience of Kenya’s healthcare system. Dr. Masha, a representative from the Ministry, highlighted the urgency of these efforts, noting that every individual receiving HIV treatment must be assured that their medication will remain available, and that any disruption to treatment is simply not an option.
The integration of HIV services into primary healthcare is not a novel concept in Kenya. Between 2008 and 2010, a pilot program in rural Kenya demonstrated that such integration led to significant increases in patient satisfaction in certain domains, with no negative effect on satisfaction. This historical precedent provides a foundation for the current efforts to incorporate HIV services into the SHA framework.
The Ministry’s proactive measures reflect a broader commitment to building a resilient, self-sustaining health system capable of withstanding external shocks. By integrating HIV services into the SHA and enhancing domestic capacities, Kenya aims to safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens, even in the face of global funding uncertainties.
