By Victor Vosoro
Kenya is grappling with a critical shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, placing the lives of more than 1.4 million people living with HIV in jeopardy. The crisis has been triggered by a freeze in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) earlier this year, which has severely disrupted the distribution of essential HIV medications and related supplies.
The situation has particularly affected the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a U.S.-funded program that has been a cornerstone in Kenya’s HIV treatment and support efforts for years.
Nelson Otuoma, Chairperson of the Network of People Living with HIV in Kenya, expressed deep concern, revealing that the country’s current supply of HIV medication is expected to run out between August and September 2025.
“It has caused a lot of anxiety among healthcare workers. We’ve had to ask NASCOP to reassure them. Now, instead of receiving drugs for four to six months, patients are only being given one to two months’ worth,” said Otuoma.
The shortage has led to rationing of medication at health facilities across the country, with frontline health workers forced to limit the quantity of ARVs given to each patient. This is raising serious fears of treatment interruptions, which can lead to drug resistance, treatment failure, and worsening health conditions.
Kenya’s reliance on donor-funded programs such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund has exposed the fragility of its HIV treatment infrastructure. The current funding disruption has laid bare the urgent need for the country to develop a more sustainable, locally-supported financing strategy for HIV care.
The impact is already being felt. Patients have reported challenges accessing medications, while healthcare facilities are strained trying to manage growing anxiety and uncertainty among patients.
In response to the crisis, the Kenyan government, in collaboration with international partners, has initiated discussions to explore long-term solutions, including domestic financing models and diversification of supply sources, to prevent future disruptions in life-saving treatment.
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