Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo has reassured Kenyans that the country remains committed to uninterrupted HIV treatment and care despite a freeze in foreign aid from the U.S. government. Speaking during the flag-off of a consignment of HIV-related medical supplies, Mulongo emphasized that Kenya has sufficient stocks of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and HIV testing kits to sustain treatment programs.
The Ministry of Health, working alongside KEMSA, MEDS, and county governments, has ensured that the supply chain for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) remains intact. Mulongo confirmed that essential ARVs, including TLD, pediatric ARVs, and Nevirapine suspension, are adequately stocked, with current supplies projected to last nearly two years.
“Our priority is, and always will be, to ensure that patients receive quality care, with adequate and readily available commodities,” she stated.
Kenya currently has 2,026,555 packs of TLD, the primary ART regimen used by over 92% of patients, ensuring a 4.7-month stock. By June 2025, an additional 4.8 million packs will arrive, extending supply to over 11 months. For pediatric care, 326,000 packs of Abacavir/Lamivudine (120/60mg) dispersible tablets are available, covering 7.4 months, with a fixed-dose pediatric combination set for introduction in August 2025.
Nevirapine suspension, crucial for infant prophylaxis to eliminate vertical transmission of HIV, remains stable with 510,000 bottles in stock, ensuring an 8.4-month supply. Additionally, Kenya has 8.3 million Trinscreen tests (10 months’ stock) and 1.48 million HIV/Syphilis duo tests (14.5 months’ stock). The ministry is also fast-tracking the delivery of 52,000 Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) tests by April 2025.
Viral load testing is prioritized, with 446,436 tests currently available (3.5 months’ supply) and more expected by April 2025. The government has also secured 1.6 million male condoms and distributed 9 million pieces nationwide. To bolster prevention, an additional 28 million condoms are en route, while 93 million are under procurement at KEMSA.
Kenya, home to approximately 1.4 million PLHIV, has surpassed the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, achieving 98-98-94, indicating strong progress in diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression. The government remains steadfast in ensuring continued access to lifesaving HIV services.
