Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Susan Nakhumicha, reiterated the country’s commitment to end HIV/AIDS when she hosted Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDs, on Monday.
Dr. Nakhumicha praised the efforts of UNAIDs and emphasized the importance of redoubling Kenya’s efforts to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
She highlighted the country’s progress in expanding access to treatment and reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths through partnerships with the government, PEPFAR, the Global Fund, the UN, communities and others.
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Despite these achievements, the Cabinet Secretary also acknowledged the increasing number of new HIV infections among adolescents and young people and mother-to-child transmission of HIV at 8.9% as a worrying trend.
“Kenya remains committed to ending the AIDS epidemic, especially among children and adolescents, as we have recently committed to the Global Alliance,” said the CS.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the declining external funding for the HIV response and emphasized the need for sustainable financing solutions to manage the large cohort of over 1 million PLHIV on treatment.
“Kenya is exploring solutions such as local manufacturing of essential commodities, Universal Health Coverage, and digitalization of health services as a priority for the government,” she noted.
Finally, the Cabinet Secretary invited UNAIDs to support Kenya in bridging financial gaps and bringing health closer to the people.
The UNAIDs Executive Secretary Winnie Byanyima noted that Kenya’s AIDS response is truly commendable, with a 53% decrease in new HIV infections since 2010 and an over 60% reduction in AIDS-related deaths.
“As the Vice-Chair of UNAID’s PCB, I look forward to working with Kenya, a leader in the region. At the upcoming 52nd meeting of PCB, we’ll focus on reducing health inequities & addressing the needs of key populations, including transgender individuals,” she noted.
Together, we can end the AIDS epidemic and ensure a brighter future for future generations.”
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