We Are Prepared And Committed To Sustaining HIV/AIDS, MOH Assures Kenyans
We Are Prepared And Committed To Sustaining HIV/AIDS, MOH Assures Kenyans
In its weekly media briefing, The Ministry Of Health has today assured Kenyans of enough preparedness and commitment to sustaining HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs to cater for HIV/AIDS treatments.
Following the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the freezing of global health aid, including PEPFAR funding, Health Director General, Dr. Patrick Amoth noted that “Kenya has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 98% of people living with HIV aware of their status and on treatment, and 94% achieving viral suppression. The Ministry is actively engaging with other development partners and investing in local pharmaceutical manufacturing to prevent treatment disruptions,”
We Are Prepared And Committed To Sustaining HIV/AIDS, MOH Assures Kenyans
Dr. Amoth acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Kenya and the United States, which has played a critical role in strengthening HIV programs, disease prevention, and health system resilience.
The Ministry is also strengthening regional collaborations and alternative health financing mechanisms to ensure continued access to lifesaving medications and healthcare services for people living with HIV.
Dr. Amoth attributes alienation of mother-to-child transmission of HIV as one of the biggest contributors to failure of achieving the 95% in viral suppression.
“I want to appeal again to all members of the community, family members, to ensure that those who are on treatment go to the facilities to be able to receive their medications, because we have the medicines, and the healthcare workers to be able to provide that service.” Urged Dr. Amoth
“Our role is to ensure that we shield the patient who requires treatment and ensure that they continue to receive that treatment uninterrupted” He added
The Ministry has directed that the programs dealing with this critical issue to be able to get weekly reports from the counties on service delivery, including ensuring that patients receive the services, the antiretroviral drugs are available and are provided and ensure that no Kenyan who is in need of treatment misses.
In addition, The Ministry of Health is streamlining the empanelment and preauthorization process for specialist healthcare services to enhance access and efficiency under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Dr. Amoth, noted that the Ministry, in consultation with regulatory bodies, is optimizing the approval process for specialized medical procedures to ensure patients receive timely care without unnecessary administrative delays.
“We are aligning specialist approvals with the Scopes of Practice defined by the Ministry, ensuring that only qualified specialists in recognized specialties authorize necessary medical interventions. This will improve efficiency while maintaining accountability in healthcare service provision,” said Dr. Amoth during a media briefing today.
The Ministry is developing a Quality of Care Policy and Bill, aimed at strengthening healthcare regulations and enhancing standards for patient safety and service delivery.
