Boost HIV/Aids funding

The aggressive campaign to curb the spread of HIV is one of the public health sector’s greatest achievements. This country benefited greatly from the global fight against this health menace. Massive international funding made its success possible.

The development of antiretroviral therapy radically extended lifespans, as modern treatments have effectively neutralised the risk of transmission. Programmes such as Pepfar (the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief) and the Global Fund poured billions of dollars into poor regions, distributing lifesaving medications to millions who could not have afforded them.

It turned a once-fatal pandemic into a manageable chronic condition, which, unfortunately, is now coming under severe threat. Public health sectors still face tough hurdles in completely eliminating the virus. When American aid was suddenly stopped after President Donald Trump returned to power, HIV clinics have increasingly disappeared.

The US carried a big burden of HIV and tuberculosis (TB). Its funding was a lifeline, reducing stigma by offering private HIV care away from prying eyes. According to experts, the funding freeze has left a Sh31 billion hole in this country’s health care system. The US Government had been directly supporting 40,603 health workers across 40 counties. This is likely to adversely affect 1.4 million people living with HIV countrywide, with the total losses exceeding Sh20 billion.

Data from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council shows that even though transmissions have reduced, the overall rate remains above the national target of below five per cent, which has been largely attributed to drop-offs from antiretroviral therapy.

Vulnerable and marginalised populations in some regions still face barriers to testing and medication. Enabling continuous treatment and education remains a big challenge.

Following the US aid cuts, the government should strive to allocate more funds to plug the gaps in the healthcare system and improve care for the suffering HIV patients.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.