By Joy Jelagat
HIV patients in Kenya have been assured of a steady supply of life-saving medications, including antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), following concerns raised by the recent withdrawal of funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United States. In a press briefing, the Director-General of Health, Professor Patrick Amoth, confirmed that the Ministry of Health has taken proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted treatment for nearly 1.4 million Kenyans undergoing HIV treatment.
Professor Amoth assured the public that there is a sufficient stock of HIV commodities, with a 3 to 6-month supply currently in place. “I want to assure Kenyans that we have sufficient stock of HIV commodities and ARVs. We have strengthened our supply chain pipeline over the last two years to ensure that we have 6 months of stock,” Amoth stated.
This reassurance comes in the wake of the withdrawal of U.S. funding to WHO, which raised concerns about the potential disruption of health services in low-income countries, including Kenya. However, Amoth emphasized that the Ministry of Health has implemented various strategies to shield patients from any disruption in their treatment, with systems in place for weekly county-level reports on service delivery.
“If you run a big program like the one we run, where we have nearly 1.4 million Kenyans on treatment, then you must have a plan B to address any contingency that would arise, whether deliberately or due to events outside your control,” Amoth explained, reinforcing that the ministry is fully prepared to manage any challenges.
Kenya has made significant strides in meeting the Triple 95 global targets for HIV treatment, with 98% of the population knowing their status and around 98% of those living with HIV receiving treatment. However, the country is still working towards reaching the global target of 95% viral suppression, currently standing at 94%.
Amoth attributed the slight deficit to challenges related to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, a key goal in the global HIV response.
The Director-General also took the opportunity to appeal to the public, urging family members and community leaders to encourage those on treatment to visit health facilities regularly to receive their medications. “We have the medicine and health care workers available to provide these services. I want to appeal to all members of the community and family members to ensure those on treatment go to the facilities to receive their medications,” Amoth urged.
The Ministry of Health’s commitment to ensuring continued care for HIV patients, despite global funding challenges, provides significant relief to millions of Kenyans who rely on consistent access to HIV medications for their health and well-being.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.