Govt implementing measures to mitigate effects of US aid freeze

To address the funding gap, Dr. Patrick Amoth indicated that the government is focused on strengthening local capacity.

Eric Biegon
3 Min Read
Dr. Patrick Amoth is the Health Director General. Photo/Courtesy
Highlights
  • "We acknowledge significant challenges in our healthcare system, particularly regarding HIV/AIDS treatment and global health partnerships, that may be compounded by the recent freeze on U.S.-funded HIV medications and the cessation of technical assistance, threatening to disrupt years of progress made in controlling the HIV epidemic,"

The Kenyan government has announced that it is actively developing measures to mitigate the impact of the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the freezing of foreign aid.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health disclosed that critical health programmes will be significantly affected by this recent decision, particularly highlighting the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). They indicated that this move will have far-reaching consequences for countries worldwide, including Kenya.

“The potential disruptions may include interruptions in HIV treatment for thousands, increased risks of drug resistance, and a possible rise in mother-to-child transmission, which we have managed to reduce from as high as 15% ten years ago to the current 7.1%, just shy of the elimination target of 5%,” the Office of Health Director General stated.

“We recognize the significant challenges facing our healthcare system, particularly concerning HIV/AIDS treatment and global health partnerships. These challenges may be exacerbated by the recent freeze on U.S.-funded HIV medications and the cessation of technical assistance, threatening to undo years of progress made in controlling the HIV epidemic,” it added.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Office of Health Director General, noted that this latest development poses a risk to the continued treatment of thousands of Kenyans, potentially leading to drug resistance and an increase in mother-to-child transmission.

In response to these challenges, Dr. Amoth stated that the Kenyan government is taking proactive measures to mitigate the negative effects and ensure the continuity of healthcare services.

“The Ministry of Health is actively engaging with other development partners, international agencies, and private sector stakeholders to secure alternative resources and fill gaps in the supply of essential medicines,” he said.

To address the funding gap, Dr. Amoth indicated that the government is focused on strengthening local capacity. He mentioned that investments are being made in local pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce dependency on external sources and enhance the resilience of the country’s supply chains.

“Furthermore, we are forging regional partnerships to ensure a steady and reliable supply of essential medicines,” he added.

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