WHO Sounds Alarm Over Growing Crisis in Kenya
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about an impending crisis in Kenya, among eight other nations, due to a “significantly disrupted” supply of HIV medications.
Kenya, with 1.38 million people living with AIDS, could run out of these vital treatments in the coming months, according to the global health organization.
If funding cuts continue, the WHO predicts over 10 million new HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths worldwide.
This shortage of life-saving drugs stems from former US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt US foreign aid, an order signed in January. This has already caused major problems, with thousands of Kenyans being sent home and the future supply of these essential drugs uncertain.
“The interruptions to HIV programs could reverse 20 years of progress,” stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press briefing.
Along with Kenya, Haiti, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Ukraine are also at risk of drug shortages, according to the WHO.
Ghebreyesus emphasized that the United States has a “responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws direct funding for countries, it’s done in an organized and compassionate manner that allows them to find alternative sources of funding.”
Last month, the US announced a temporary 90-day waiver for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program through USAID, allowing program workers to continue.
This waiver allows for HIV testing and treatment for everyone, including those with HIV. It also covers preventing mother-to-child transmission through testing and re-testing for pregnant and breastfeeding women, PrEP for HIV-negative women, and treatment for those who test positive. Partner testing, early infant diagnosis, and infant care are also included.
Other services covered are laboratory support, supply chain management to prevent drug shortages, and TB care for HIV patients. The waiver also includes cervical cancer treatment for women living with HIV.
However, PEPFAR-funded PrEP remains unavailable for individuals at risk of HIV who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, until further notice.
The Kenyan government has pledged to cover any budget gaps, even though it needs over Ksh57 billion to address shortfalls in health, education, and governance areas supported by USAID.
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WHO Sounds Alarm Over Growing Crisis in Kenya
