Murang’a County residents have been assured that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted, despite the recent freeze on US foreign aid, which has affected crucial health programs, including HIV/Aids and tuberculosis services. Governor Irungu Kang’ata, in a statement, emphasized that health services in the county would not be disrupted, and residents would continue to receive the essential medical services they need.
The US government’s aid freeze, which was signed into effect by former President Donald Trump, halts all foreign assistance programs for 90 days pending review. Among the most impacted initiatives is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has played a vital role in managing HIV/Aids in Kenya. PEPFAR’s suspension has raised concerns regarding the continuity of HIV treatment and other related healthcare services, given that the US has invested more than $8 billion in Kenya through the program since 2003.
In response to these concerns, Governor Kang’ata assured the public that his administration had already taken steps to mitigate any disruptions. He revealed that health workers in Murang’a County had been briefed on how to handle clients effectively, ensuring the continuity of HIV and tuberculosis services despite the funding freeze. Additionally, the county government had integrated these services gradually, which Kang’ata believes will help maintain service delivery without significant delays.
While acknowledging potential short-term delays due to the freeze, the governor reassured residents that the county’s health facilities would continue offering HIV-related services, including treatment and medications. “All clients will continue receiving uninterrupted services at the respective health facilities,” Kang’ata stated. He also highlighted that the county’s health workers were well-prepared to handle the situation by utilizing available resources efficiently.
The PEPFAR program has had a significant impact on Kenya’s fight against HIV/Aids, providing life-saving antiretroviral treatments to nearly 1.3 million people and supporting over 2,900 HIV Comprehensive Care Clinics. The program’s suspension has raised concerns regarding treatment for HIV-positive individuals, particularly pregnant women, orphans, and vulnerable children, as well as the livelihoods of thousands of local workers involved in HIV-related activities.
In light of the challenges posed by the aid freeze, Kenya’s Director General for Health, Patrick Amoth, reiterated the importance of the US-Kenya partnership in strengthening health programs and disease prevention efforts. The Ministry of Health has also engaged other development partners to ensure treatment disruptions are minimized, even exploring local pharmaceutical manufacturing to mitigate the impact of the freeze.
As Murang’a County prepares for meetings with affected workers, Kang’ata remains hopeful that Kenya’s health systems will endure and continue to make progress in the fight against HIV/Aids, despite the challenges posed by the US aid freeze.
