Kenya is currently facing a severe healthcare crisis, with critical medical supplies running out across the country. This includes essential HIV medicines, testing kits, and vaccines, putting millions of lives at risk. Health officials have raised alarms over the depletion of supplies, calling this an unprecedented situation that could undo years of progress in managing HIV and other public health challenges.
Public and private hospitals across Kenya have reported significant shortages of Atazanavir, a vital drug for people living with HIV. In addition to this, stocks of condoms, BCG vaccines for newborns, and most HIV-testing equipment have been completely exhausted after the Christmas period. The country, which has 1.378 million people living with HIV, faces a dire situation, with health officials warning that the shortage of HIV medicines could lead to a resurgence of new infections and deaths.
Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha, CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Council, explained the gravity of the crisis, stating, “Without consistent access to these medications, we risk undoing years of progress in fighting the epidemic.” Kenya reported 16,752 new HIV infections in 2024, with women accounting for the majority of cases. Furthermore, the country has seen 20,480 AIDS-related deaths, including 2,607 children. This has left many at risk, especially those in discordant relationships, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is not.
While the government has made strides in providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to 97% of those living with HIV, a shortage in medication could easily reverse these gains. ART has been pivotal in reducing viral loads and preventing transmission, but the absence of the necessary drugs places millions in jeopardy. HIV test kits, essential for monitoring the disease, are also in short supply. Popular brands like Trinscreen, One-Step, and First Response are unavailable, leaving only the Standard Q test kits in stock, which are quickly running out.
The crisis is not limited to HIV-related supplies. BCG vaccines, which protect newborns against tuberculosis, have also run out nationwide. Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai confirmed that while 2.6 million doses are expected to arrive by the end of January 2025, many infants born in the past six months remain unvaccinated. This delay in vaccine procurement has raised concerns about the resurgence of preventable diseases among vulnerable populations.
Refugee camps have been hit particularly hard by the shortage. The International Rescue Committee reported that the Kakuma refugee camp has exhausted its stock of essential vaccines, while the Hagdera camp in Dadaab has only 60 doses of oral polio vaccine left. These shortages threaten to undermine the health and well-being of some of the country’s most marginalized and vulnerable populations.
The healthcare crisis has also exposed the deep systemic issues within Kenya’s health supply chain. The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), the government agency responsible for procurement and distribution of medical supplies, has faced criticism for poor internal controls. A report from the Global Fund revealed significant discrepancies in KEMSA’s stock management, with millions of condoms, mosquito nets, and tuberculosis drugs disappearing from warehouses due to inadequate oversight. Furthermore, the agency’s failure to deliver over 93 million condoms, along with a delay in delivering HIV testing kits, has exacerbated the situation.
The shortages have not only impacted HIV/AIDS response efforts but have also affected other areas of public health, with nearly 90% of healthcare facilities across the country struggling to stay operational. A survey by the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya found that 89% of healthcare facilities cannot meet operational costs, and 87% are unable to pay their staff.
In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to ensure that available HIV medicines are used efficiently, but these measures provide little immediate relief. Patients who rely on daily medication are particularly vulnerable as they face uncertainty about when the next supply will arrive.
The government has promised that relief is on the way, with supplies expected to arrive in the coming months. However, the immediate impact on patients, particularly those with HIV and newborns, is undeniable. For a country that has been a regional leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, this crisis serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of healthcare systems and the importance of maintaining adequate stocks of life-saving medicines and vaccines.
As Kenya waits for supplies to replenish, the ongoing shortages highlight the urgent need for structural reforms in the healthcare sector, including better inventory management, transparency in procurement processes, and sustainable supply chain solutions. Until these challenges are addressed, millions of Kenyans will continue to face an uncertain future.
