Kenya has called for a new way of handling HIV, focusing on long-term solutions that are run and supported locally.
Speaking in Nairobi during a global HIV meeting that brought together over 260 people from more than 20 countries to discuss the future of HIV care, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, said that Kenya is working hard to improve how it responds to HIV.
According to Dr Oluga, Kenya has achieved some success in its battle against HIV/AIDS and is moving closer to achieving its international objectives.
It was pointed out that around 1.4 million Kenyans were living with HIV/AIDS. Nevertheless, despite the successes, it should be stressed that the achievement remains vulnerable and may easily be reversed in case of any relaxation.
He recommended that players within the healthcare industry integrate the management of the disease with other health care services. These services range from maternal services to the management of TB among other conditions. This way, patients will benefit more.
The Permanent Secretary (PS) went on to note that Kenya has taken steps towards integration of HIV care within the healthcare system. According to him, efforts have been ongoing to facilitate access to the service across facilities, from primary care clinics all the way to big hospitals.
According to Dr Oluga, the structures and systems developed from HIV programs should be leveraged to uplift the entire health sector. In addition to these, the country needs to become more self-reliant rather than overly dependent on donor funding. As much as the support was appreciated, there needed to develop a sustainable health care system.
Further, efforts should continue towards addressing issues of stigmatization and ensuring that key populations such as youths and women have access to HIV care services.
The government’s resolve in ending the epidemic by 2030 was reiterated.