Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has called on stakeholders in the HIV sector to support the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA). Speaking at the HIV Service Delivery Integration summit in Mombasa, Nakhumicha emphasized the need to align HIV responses with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals ahead of the SHA membership registration drive launching Friday.
“It’s crucial to restructure HIV responses to align with SHA operationalisation, including HIV prevention and control in primary healthcare,” said Nakhumicha. She encouraged Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) to enroll with SHA, highlighting UHC’s role in integrated healthcare services to combat HIV.
Nakhumicha advocated for increased funding through direct mechanisms like Government-to-Government partnerships to strengthen HIV management institutions. She underscored the importance of transforming HIV programs at all levels, particularly in counties, to ensure efficiency and equity under President William Ruto’s health reforms.
The Health CS also stressed the integration of HIV services into broader chronic care models to reduce stigma and improve service delivery. Promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing was another key point, aimed at ensuring HIV commodity security and sustainable growth.
“Innovation and digitization under the Digital Health Act 2023 are pivotal for service access and efficiency,” she added.
With Kenya having approximately 1.4 million PLHIV, Nakhumicha acknowledged the progress made in reducing infections and improving care access, while noting that stigma remains a significant challenge affecting health outcomes. She praised Siaya County’s success in lowering mother-to-child transmission rates through strong partnerships.
Dr. Rose Wafula from the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP) affirmed Kenya’s commitment to ending HIV/AIDS in children by 2027 through policy interventions. As Kenya targets HIV elimination by 2030, Nakhumicha reiterated efforts to align HIV responses with broader health reforms under the UHC agenda.
Since its first HIV case in 1984, Kenya has strengthened healthcare systems and reduced infection rates through strategic frameworks and legislative support. “We’ve come far in combating HIV, expanding service points nationwide,” Nakhumicha concluded.
Currently, Kenya operates 8,851 HIV testing sites and 3,752 treatment sites, encompassing facilities supported by public, private, and faith-based organizations. The Ministry is seeking sustainable funding models to maintain progress in its HIV response as donor support phases out.
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