The Ministry of Health has flagged off a consignment of essential HIV commodities at the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) to ensure uninterrupted care for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) across Kenya.
Presiding over the event, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the HIV response despite global funding challenges.
She was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, and the CEO of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
“Ensuring consistent access to life-saving HIV treatment and testing commodities is a top priority for the government. We remain dedicated to strengthening our supply chain and integrating HIV care into our broader healthcare strategy,” Dr. Barasa stated.
Kenya has made significant progress in the fight against HIV, achieving a 98:98:94 milestone toward the UNAIDS 95:95:95 targets.
The collaboration between KEMSA, MEDS, the Ministry of Health, and county governments has been instrumental in maintaining a steady supply of critical HIV commodities.
Essential Commodities in the ConsignmentThe flagged-off supplies include:
1. Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, including Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) and pediatric formulations.
2.HIV testing kits supporting the country’s Three-Test Algorithm.
3.Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) and Viral Load testing reagents for timely diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
4.Male condoms to enhance HIV prevention efforts.
Dr. Barasa also emphasized the Ministry’s focus on strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, integrating HIV care into universal health coverage, and leveraging digital platforms to improve efficiency in commodity distribution.
“This milestone reaffirms our commitment to an HIV-free future where no patient is left behind,” she added.
The consignment will be distributed nationwide, ensuring continuous access to critical HIV treatment and care across healthcare facilities.
