Kenya is stepping up efforts to overhaul its HIV response, with the government now calling for a shift from donor-driven programmes to a more integrated and sustainable healthcare system.
Speaking in Nairobi during the 2026 HIV Coverage, Quality and Impact Network high-level meeting, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga said the country must rethink how HIV services are delivered to ensure long-term impact.
“Kenya’s HIV response must move beyond vertical programmes to integrated, people-centred care,” he said.
The meeting, which brought together over 260 participants from more than 20 countries, focused on the future of HIV programmes at a time when global funding uncertainties are raising concerns about sustainability.
Dr Oluga, speaking on behalf of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, said Kenya has made steady progress in the fight against HIV, with about 1.4 million people living with the virus and the country edging closer to the 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS.
However, he warned that the gains remain fragile and could be reversed without deliberate efforts to strengthen the health system.
For years, Kenya’s HIV response has largely been supported through standalone programmes backed by international partners such as PEPFAR and The Global Fund.
While these initiatives have delivered results, Dr Oluga said the time has come to move away from parallel systems and embed HIV services into mainstream healthcare.
He noted that Kenya is already integrating HIV care into community, primary and referral health services, linking it with maternal health, tuberculosis treatment and non-communicable disease care.
The government is also pushing to leverage investments made in HIV infrastructure—particularly in laboratories, data systems and community health networks—to strengthen the broader health sector.
According to Dr Oluga, these efforts are aligned with ongoing Universal Health Coverage reforms aimed at improving access, strengthening the workforce and reducing reliance on external funding.
He stressed that domestic financing will be key to sustaining progress, even as Kenya continues to work with global partners.
Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly around access and stigma.
Dr Oluga called for renewed focus on vulnerable groups, including adolescents, young women and key populations who continue to face barriers in accessing HIV services.
He warned that stigma and discrimination still undermine testing, treatment and overall outcomes.