KEMSA releases ARVs for over 1 Million Kenyans

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has released antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to help more than 1 million Kenyans access HIV treatment.

This move comes after concerns arose over Kenya’s ability to sustain HIV treatment programs following the U.S. suspension of funding for several global health initiatives under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“We are pleased to report that we have secured stock levels of key ARVs and testing kits, with supplies ranging from several months to nearly two years,” said Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa.

Kenya Has Sufficient HIV Treatment Supplies

According to CS Barasa, Kenya now has adequate stocks of essential HIV treatment and testing supplies, including TLD, pediatric ARVs, Nevirapine suspension, and other HIV testing commodities.

“We are also ensuring consistent availability of Early Infant Diagnosis and Viral Load testing reagents,” she added.

She expressed confidence that Kenya can manage its HIV response independently through local innovations and strong leadership.

Expanded Medical Supply Distribution

The consignment, flagged off by the Health Cabinet Secretary, also includes tuberculosis (TB) medication and malaria commodities. These will be distributed through Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS).

The Health Ministry is committed to finding local solutions to ease the HIV burden, including:

Strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing
Integrating HIV patients into the national health insurance scheme
Leveraging digital tools for efficient distribution and tracking

Additionally, the ministry aims to empower communities to combat HIV-related stigma and act as a link between healthcare providers and those in need.

Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency

During the flag-off event, KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa emphasized that the partnership with MEDS will enhance efficiency in the management and distribution of life-saving medicines across Kenya.

“The impact of today’s flag-off goes beyond disease control—it marks a step towards data-driven healthcare delivery in Kenya,” said Ejersa.

Dr. Ejersa also thanked the U.S. government, through PEPFAR, for supporting Kenya’s health programs and assured KEMSA’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in distributing drugs and medical supplies.