The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa has urged Members of Parliament to increase budgetary allocations to the health sector, particularly for HIV programs.
Speaking during a High-Level Consultative Meeting with the Council of Governors, the National Assembly, the Senate, and partners on Wednesday, the CS said without sustained domestic investment, the significant progress made in the fight against HIV is at risk.
She stressed the importance of prioritizing funding for essential commodities, human resources, and healthcare infrastructure.
“The time to act is now. Without sustained domestic investment, the progress we have made in the HIV response is at risk. We must prioritize financing for essential commodities, human resources, and healthcare infrastructure.” She remarked.
Adding that: “Strengthening domestic health financing mechanisms will ensure a stable and resilient healthcare system that is not overly dependent on foreign aid.”
While emphasizing on the need for Kenya to reassess its approach to disease management to ensure long-term resilience and self-sufficiency, the CS highlighted the recent 90-day pause on foreign development assistance by the United States Government as a wake-up call for Kenya to strengthen its domestic health financing and reduce reliance on external support.
Call to action for county governments
Similarly, CS Barasa called on county governments to enhance domestic resource allocation for HIV programs.
She urged counties utilize the Facilities Improvement Fund (FIF) to engage additional frontline healthcare workers on a short-term basis to ensure continued service delivery, especially for essential programs currently supported by external donors.
“Counties have a unique opportunity to step in and bridge the resource gap by utilizing the Facilities Improvement Fund (FIF) to engage additional frontline healthcare workers on a short-term basis. This measure will ensure continued service delivery, especially for essential programs currently supported by PEPFAR.” She urged.
The CS reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining HIV response noting that over the past decade, Kenya has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV.
As of 2023, 95% of the 1,378,457 people living with HIV know their status.
“ART coverage has increased from 41% in 2013 to an impressive 97% in 2023, while viral suppression among those on treatment has improved from 85% in 2019 to 94% in 2023. However, we must also recognize that Kenya has made significant strides in strengthening its healthcare systems since the introduction of Donor support in the early 2000s.” She said.
“Kenya’s HIV response remains strong and resilient. We urge calm, unity, and collective action to protect our progress,” she affirmed.
