Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has assured the public that the HIV drug Nevirapine is adequately stocked in health facilities nationwide, dismissing recent claims of a shortage.
Speaking during the World Blood Donor Day commemoration in Samburu County, Dr. Oluga clarified that counties, including Kisumu where the concerns reportedly originated have sufficient supplies of the essential antiretroviral.
“We have a drug for children called Nevirapine. We have that drug in all counties. That story came from the county of Kisumu. There, we have a stock of seven months,” said Dr. Oluga.
Nevirapine is a key component in HIV treatment and prevention, particularly used to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. It forms part of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) class and works by lowering the viral load in the blood, helping slow disease progression.
The Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medications, especially for vulnerable groups including children and pregnant women living with HIV.