By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ministry of Health has assured Kenyans that there will be no shortage of essential medicines, including those for malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis (TB), for at least the next year.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to ensure the continuous availability of these life-saving drugs.
Speaking at the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) headquarters on Friday morning, CS Barasa flagged off a convoy of over 30 vehicles set to distribute essential medication to hospitals across the country.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uninterrupted drug supplies, dismissing concerns that the exit of USAID would trigger a crisis.
“Today’s flag offf is more than a delivery of commodities, it is a lifetime, a promise and reaffirmation of our commitment to ending HIV in Kenya,” CS Barasa assured.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, CS Barasa noted that male condoms and other critical supplies will be sufficient for up to two years as Kenya transitions towards greater pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.
The Ministry of Health has partnered with MEDS to facilitate the distribution of essential drugs, a move aimed at ensuring Kenyans continue to receive their medication without delay.
PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) has also agreed to cover the cost of distributing these drugs, signaling continued collaboration between Kenya and the U.S. Government despite funding shifts.
Additionally, the Kenyan government is prioritizing homegrown pharmaceutical solutions, including collaborating with local manufacturers to enhance domestic production capacity.
“We are investing in sustainable solutions, local manufacturing, digital tracking and universal health coverage to secure the future of HIV care in Kenya,” the CS added.
On Wednesday, during a meeting with the Council of Governors, the government revealed it is seeking KES 1.2 billion to support drug distribution and awaiting U.S. government approval for additional funding.
Read more:http://Health CS Barasa Reaffirms Kenya’s Commitment to HIV Response amid U.S. Aid Pause
However, in a significant breakthrough, the U.S. Government has granted MEDS a proceed order, agreeing to finance the distribution of essential drugs.
CS Barasa confirmed that the Ministry of Health is already procuring key medications that will sustain the country for at least the next four months, even as efforts to enhance local pharmaceutical production accelerate.
The government’s proactive approach in securing drug supplies and bolstering local manufacturing is expected to enhance Kenya’s healthcare resilience, ensuring affordable and uninterrupted access to critical medication for all citizens.