HIV response boost for Kenya as US approves Ksh43B funding

Kenya has received provisional approval of $322M (Ksh43B) funding for HIV response.

The funds for Yr 2 allocated through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Program (PEPFAR) Country Operational Plan (COP) 2022 will be implemented from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, in support of critical solutions enabling Kenya to maintain epidemic control

This was announced Tuesday during the COP 23 approval meeting, that took place between the Kenya Government represented by Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula, Office of the Global Aids Coordinator -Ambassador John Nkengasong; US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman.

Other officials present are Kenya Chair of COP 23 Julia Martin; PEPFAR Country team through the respective agencies, CDC/ USAID, DOD; Council of Governors (COG); the civil society and MOH representatives including the Ag. Director General Health, National AIDS and STI Control Program and the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC).

During the meeting, the US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to achieve epidemic control including ending AIDS in Children by 2027.

Amb. Nkengasong, the US Global AIDS Coordinator, while giving the provisional approval, hailed Kenya’s strong commitment and efforts in management of HIV and GOK transformation of the health sector through the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Primary Health Care (PHC) platform which are a critical pillar to a sustainable HIV response.

The speakers lauded the alignment of the proposed priorities and the collaboration between the Ministry of Health, communities, counties and the Kenya PEPFAR team reflected in the COP process and proposal.

In her remarks, the Cabinet Secretary reiterated the health ministry’s commitment to steward the response and provide a conducive environment in the convergence of the HIV response in the context of UHC as the country accelerates the epidemic control efforts.

The PEPFAR Country Operational Plan (COP) is an annual strategic plan for U.S. government-funded global HIV/AIDS activities.