The fight against HIV/AIDS remains a critical national duty for Kenya, demanding a concerted effort and substantial investment, according to a recent address by Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Speaking on behalf of H.E. President William Ruto at the 2025 World AIDS Day Commemoration held at Nyayo Stadium, PCS Mudavadi highlighted the immense challenge the nation faces while acknowledging significant strides in its response.
With 1,326,336 people living with HIV in Kenya, the financial requirement to sustain prevention, care, and long-term management efforts is considerable. PCS Mudavadi noted that the nation requires Kshs. 30 billion to secure vital commodities necessary for this ongoing public health initiative.
“These numbers remind [the nation] that this fight is not just medical, but a national duty to protect our people and secure the wellbeing of future generations,” the Cabinet Secretary stated, reflecting on how the epidemic has shaped Kenya’s history over the past four decades, testing its resilience.
CS Mudavadi emphasized President Ruto’s message that HIV and AIDS persist as major global health concerns, particularly for countries like Kenya. However, he underscored the notable progress made by the country: 87 percent of people living with HIV were on Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART). And Coverage for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) reached 90.1 percent, contributing to healthier lives and the birth of HIV-free newborns.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring every Kenyan has access to comprehensive prevention, care, and treatment services. He pledged continued collaboration with local and international partners to guarantee that life-saving medication reaches all who need it.
Mudavadi concluded with a call for national unity and determination in the ongoing efforts toward achieving an HIV-free Kenya.
