KEMSA releases ARVs for 1 million patients as MoH assures of Kenya’s ability to manage HIV

This follows fears that Kenya will be unable to manage HIV treatments after the United States suspended funding for various global health programs under the U.S Agency for International Development (USAIDS).

“We are pleased to report that we have secure stock levels of key ARVs and testing kits, with supplies ranging from several months to close to two years,” said Health CS Deborah Barasa.

According to the CS, Kenya now has adequate supplies of TLD, pediatric ARVs, Nevirapine suspension, and various HIV testing commodities.

“We are also ensuring consistent availability of Early Infant Diagnosis and Viral Load testing reagents,” she said.

“I am confident that our country can sustainably manage the HIV response through local innovations and strong leadership.”

The consignment flagged off by the Health Cabinet Secretary also includes TB medication and malaria commodities, which will be distributed by Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS.

The CS expressed the ministry’s commitment to finding local solutions to ease the HIV burden. This is through strengthening local manufacturing of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, integrating HIV patients into the national health insurance scheme and leveraging digital solutions for efficiency and tracking of commodity distribution.

The Health Ministry also intends to empower communities to “lead in the fight against stigma, and to act as a bridge between the healthcare system and those who need it most.”

During the flag-off ceremony, KEMSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Waqo Ejersa said that through the strategic partnership with MEDS, the management and distribution will be efficient of life-saving medicines across Kenya.

“The impact of today’s flag-off extends beyond immediate disease control—it is a step towards data-driven healthcare delivery in Kenya,” said Ejersa.

The KEMSA CEO thanked the U.S government, through PEPFAR for making available the health commodities and expressed the authority’s commitment to transparency and efficiency through the distribution of the drugs and commodities.