Kenya faces a challenging situation following an announcement by US President Donald Trump to withdraw US donor funding from the World Health Organization.

Amos Gathecha, the Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, stated that like the rest of the world, Kenya is awaiting the outcome of Trump’s executive orders.

Speaking in Machakos during a validation workshop for the draft public workplace policy on HIV, AIDS, and related diseases, Gathecha emphasized that if the funding is cut, Kenya must strategize to fill the gap, particularly to support those affected by HIV.

“Alternative means of funding HIV programs would be considered if the US funding is withdrawn. 3.7% of public servants, approximately 36,260 individuals, are living with HIV, which poses a challenge to the workforce.” He said.

He praised the policy, highlighting the need for its third review to guide the right approaches to addressing HIV and AIDS and achieving national development goals. 

“The policy aims to mitigate the effects of lost working hours due to HIV and related chronic health conditions and improve employee productivity.” Said Gathecha.

Carol Kinoti, Head of the County Support Division at the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, noted that Kenya has the 7th highest HIV epidemic globally.

She added that 71,433 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with more females affected (4.5%) compared to males (2.2%). 

Nyanza counties have the highest number of cases, followed by Nairobi, Mombasa, and Uasin Gishu.

The response gaps identified include a lack of comprehensive knowledge on HIV and other syndemic diseases, high levels of stigma and discrimination, insufficient information on public servants affected by HIV, low reporting rates, inadequate resources, and minimal HIV interventions in workplaces.