Gov't scrambles for alternatives amid U.S. aid cut

The Ministry of Health warns that the freeze has exposed critical services such as HIV management, vaccine programs, nutrition, and blood donations to disruptions, endangering the lives of thousands of Kenyans.

The government is now seeking alternative donors to ensure continuity. Brenda Wanga reports on the government's plan to retain a section of the healthcare workforce previously funded by the U.S. government.

The extent of the impact on Kenya’s health sector following the U.S. government's funding freeze was laid bare today by the Ministry of Health. Dr. Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Health, stated,

“We will need Ksh 30.2 billion to ensure a seamless transition.” Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki added, “Development partners have made changes, but we remain focused on ensuring those changes do not affect service delivery.”

For years, Kenya has relied on U.S. funding to sustain key health projects. With the uncertainty surrounding these funds, several critical interventions are now at risk.

In addition to HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis interventions, U.S. funding has played a crucial role in human resources for health (Ksh 5.8 billion per year), oxygen supply, laboratory services, cervical cancer, and COVID-19 programs (Ksh 3.7 billion), distribution of medical commodities (Ksh 2.26 billion), health data systems (Ksh 139 million), blood and blood product supplies (Ksh 2.7 billion), family planning (Ksh 598 million), and nutrition programs (Ksh 2.88 billion).

To mitigate the immediate impact, the government must disburse Ksh 2 billion immediately, in addition to Ksh 2.5 billion for GAVI vaccines to ensure compliance.

Ahmed Abdullahi, Chair of the Council of Governors, emphasized, “There has been a disruption of health information systems, which are crucial for managing HIV data.

To address this, we must integrate donor systems into our own.” The funding freeze also threatens to increase HIV/AIDS infections and tuberculosis-related deaths in Kenya. Dr. Deborah Barasa warned,

“There is a risk projection of 58,495 new HIV infections by 2030 if donor funding is reduced. Additionally, we anticipate 23,500 annual TB-related deaths, with 20,000 linked to HIV, and a projected increase in overall mortality due to climate change.”

The government acknowledges the severe impact of the freeze, which has already affected the non-governmental sector.

Over 150 clinics have shut down, and hundreds of healthcare workers have lost their jobs. In response, the government is exploring other funding avenues, including engaging new donors and increasing local funding allocations to prevent further disruptions to healthcare services.