The Ministry of Health in Kenya has launched a critical shipment of essential HIV commodities from the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), aimed at maintaining uninterrupted care for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) across the country.
Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, presided over the flag-off event, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to the HIV response despite facing global funding constraints. “Our priority remains ensuring consistent access to life-saving HIV treatment and diagnostic supplies, and we are dedicated to strengthening the health supply chain to support this vital cause,” Dr. Barasa said.
The event, which was also attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, and the CEO of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), highlighted the collaborative effort to sustain Kenya’s HIV response. This collaboration between KEMSA, MEDS, the Ministry of Health, and county governments has been instrumental in ensuring a constant flow of HIV-related commodities to health facilities nationwide.
Kenya’s HIV response has made significant progress, achieving impressive milestones toward the UNAIDS 95:95:95 targets. With a current achievement of 98:98:94, Kenya is on track to meet its goals for ending the HIV epidemic.
The flagged-off consignment includes a comprehensive range of essential HIV commodities:
- Antiretroviral (ARV) Drugs – These include the widely used Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) combination and pediatric ARV formulations.
- HIV Testing Kits – These kits support Kenya’s Three-Test Algorithm, ensuring accurate diagnosis and early detection.
- Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) and Viral Load Testing Reagents – These are essential tools for timely diagnosis and monitoring of PLHIV, particularly for infants and children.
- Male Condoms – A key part of Kenya’s HIV prevention strategies aimed at reducing new infections.
Dr. Barasa also stressed the Ministry’s efforts to boost local pharmaceutical production, ensuring that Kenya’s healthcare system can better meet the demand for HIV-related medicines and supplies. The government is working to incorporate HIV care into the broader framework of universal health coverage, making these life-saving services accessible to all Kenyans.
“Today’s achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring an HIV-free future, where every person receives the care they need, without exception,” Dr. Barasa remarked.
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