Editor's Review

The Ministry of Health has addressed reports that there were substandard HIV testing kits in the country.


The Ministry of Health has dismissed reports that there were substandard HIV testing kits in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 28, the ministry noted that Kenya had adopted the WHO-recommended three-test algorithm for HIV diagnosis, enhancing diagnostic precision. 

The Susan Nakhumicha-led ministry further reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of HIV testing services in the country.

"Despite recent challenges questioning the quality of HIV testing services, the Ministry of Health reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards.

"Through rigorous capacity-building initiatives and robust quality assurance measures, the Ministry ensures the reliability and safety of testing services," read part of the statement by MoH.

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The Principal Secretary (PS) State Department of Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, encouraged citizens to continue utilizing HIV testing services nationwide.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr Harry Kimtai.

Healthcare providers and the public were urged to actively support ongoing surveillance efforts by the ministry to maintain the integrity of testing services.

The statement comes after reports that a Chinese company, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, sued the government for wrongfully classifying its HIV testing kits as substandard, making it lose a bid to supply the kits.

The company further claimed that the government went ahead to award the tender a company which supplied substandard kits.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health asserted that Kenya remains steadfast in its fight against HIV/AIDS.

"Kenya remains steadfast in its fight against HIV/AIDS, ranking 7th globally for its HIV epidemic. With approximately 1.4 million individuals living with HIV (PLHIV), the country persists in delivering comprehensive care and preventive measures," MoH stated.