Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has announced that the government will be integrating its health programmes following President Donald Trump's move to pause foreign aid.
In a statement dated Wednesday, February 5, the CS specifically highlighted HIV and TB programmes which were being run as standalone programmes.
The programmes were funded by international organisations including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Therefore, she reiterated that the programmes would continue despite the shift in the US policy.
"Dr Barasa emphasized that Kenya has the leadership and policy framework to strengthen its health systems and adapt to evolving challenges without panic," read the statement in part.
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"The Ministry is advancing efforts to integrate HIV and TB management into routine healthcare services, moving away from treating them as standalone programs. Counties like Murang’a have already made significant progress, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach."
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, today held a media briefing to update the nation on key healthcare developments, including the continuity of essential health services and the integration of HIV and TB management into the broader health system.
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) February 5, 2025
Despite… pic.twitter.com/JTVU5Pbss4
On the other hand, the CS acknowledged that there could be challenges during the integration, adding that the government would be engaging all stakeholders during the process.
"The Ministry has set clear policy directions, and integration remains a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across Kenya," he added.
"The Ministry of Health remains focused on comprehensive, accessible, and sustainable healthcare solutions for all Kenyans."
Kenya is among the countries that were worst hit by the pausing of USAID programmes.
According to data from the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya used to get an average of Ksh64 billion per year for health programmes through USAID and other US department organisations.
"For 45 years, the United States has been helping keep Kenyans healthy – from malaria, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other disease threats with $500 million in health funding each year through USAID, PEPFAR, CDC, DOD, HHS, and FDA, among other government agencies," read the statement in part.
