Ministry of Health to reassess budget amid looming funding gaps

The Ministry of Health has begun reassessing and reallocating its budget following the decision by the US government to cut foreign aid funding for the health sector.

The Ministry acknowledged that the latest funding cuts would impact the treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria, but emphasized its commitment to address the challenges that arise.

This assurance came as the government reassured HIV/AIDS patients that there is an adequate supply of ARV drugs despite the new directive from the US government.

The crisis follows the suspension of activities in the country by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

According to the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, the government is currently assessing the implications of reduced funding for the health sector.

While expressing gratitude to the US government for years of support, he stated that the Ministry would have to reallocate parts of its budget to critical health programmes.

“The US government’s decision to reduce funding for programmes such as HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria will have an impact, but the government is prepared for this,” he said.

Addressing the a briefing at Sawela Lodge in Naivasha, following a meeting with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), he confirmed that the funding situation would be reviewed in the supplementary budget.

He reassured the over 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS that there is sufficient stock of ARV drugs despite the latest developments.

“The government has made significant investments in HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria programmes, and this commitment will continue as we seek additional funding,” he told the press.

Additionally, he mentioned that the Ministry is in the process of introducing a Quality of Care Bill, part of reforms aimed at enhancing healthcare in the country.

Kimtai noted that the bill, which targets both public and private healthcare facilities, aims to improve access to quality health services and encourage institutions to elevate their standards.

“Health facilities that fail to meet the standards outlined in this bill will be deregistered, as we are committed to ensuring access to quality healthcare in the country,” he said.