The Principal Secretary State Department Medical Services, Eng. Peter K. Tum CBS today met with the PEPFAR delegation led by Brian Rettmann, the Kenya PEPFAR Coordinator, to discuss the critical issue of HIV commodity security in Kenya.

The dialogue also focused on the role of PEPFAR in securing a robust primary health care system in line with universal health coverage (UHC) and securing the overall gains attained in HIV programming in Kenya.

With over 1.3 million people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kenya, the country has made significant progress in the fight against HIV through strategic partnerships with organizations like PEPFAR and the Global Fund HIV. Since 2004, the US government through PEPFAR has invested at least $6.5 billion in Kenya.

The PEPFAR Kenya Country Operational Plan (COP) 2023 has an approved allocation of $346,250,000 for year 1 and $327,917,500 for year 2 to carry out all initiatives to achieve the targets and outcomes to be agreed upon.

This meeting between PEPFAR and the Ministry of Health (MOH) is a crucial point of consultation towards aligning priorities in COP 23 with the GOK of Kenya agenda of improving the health of Kenyans and fast tracking the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets.

“The collaboration between PEPFAR and MOH is critical in ensuring the success of Kenya’s fight against HIV and achieving universal health coverage for all,” said Eng. Tum.