Kenya Faces Severe Shortage of HIV Medications, Threatening Lives of Over 1.4 Million People
Kenya has one of the highest HIV burdens in sub-Saharan Africa
HIV Test/ Photo Courtesy
By Gidion Ngeno
Kenya is currently grappling with an acute shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) medications, placing more than 1.4 million people living with HIV at serious risk. The crisis stems from a freeze in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) earlier this year, which has significantly disrupted the distribution of life-saving HIV medications and related medical supplies.
The disruption has particularly affected the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a U.S.-government initiative that has long been a cornerstone in Kenya’s fight against HIV/AIDS. PEPFAR, alongside the Global Fund, has played a critical role in supplying ARVs and supporting Kenya’s HIV treatment infrastructure.
According to Nelson Otuoma, Chairperson of the Network of People Living with HIV (NEPHAK), the remaining national stockpile of ARVs is expected to be depleted between August and September 2025. Otuoma highlighted that healthcare providers have already begun rationing medications due to the dwindling supply.
“It has caused a lot of anxiety among healthcare workers,” said Otuoma. “We’ve asked NASCOP to reassure them, but they are the ones having to ration. Instead of giving patients a 4- or 6-month supply, they’re now issuing only one or two months’ worth.”
Kenya’s heavy reliance on donor-funded programs like PEPFAR has exposed the vulnerability of its HIV response to international funding fluctuations. This dependency has now led to a growing public health concern, particularly in rural and low-income communities where access to consistent treatment is already a challenge.
Dire Consequences for Patients and the Health System
The ARV shortage has had profound implications. Many patients are experiencing treatment interruptions, significantly increasing the risk of developing drug resistance and treatment failure. In turn, healthcare facilities are facing increased pressure, as clinicians attempt to manage care with insufficient resources.
“This is not just a medication shortage — it’s a humanitarian crisis in the making,” said one HIV clinician in Nairobi who requested anonymity. “We are doing our best, but we are being forced to make impossible choices.”
HIV in Kenya
Kenya has one of the highest HIV burdens in sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 1.4 million people living with the virus. According to the National AIDS Control Council (NACC), the adult HIV prevalence rate stands at about 4.0%, with some counties registering significantly higher rates. Each year, roughly 35,000 new infections are recorded, and over 20,000 people die due to HIV-related illnesses.
The country has made significant progress in combating HIV over the past two decades, with increased access to ARVs reducing the number of AIDS-related deaths. However, the current shortage threatens to undo these hard-won gains.
Government and Partners Seek Long-Term Solutions
In response to the crisis, the Kenyan government, in collaboration with international partners, has initiated high-level discussions aimed at securing a more sustainable financing model for HIV treatment.
“We are working closely with donors and stakeholders to ensure continuity of care,” said a Ministry of Health spokesperson. “Our goal is to safeguard our HIV response from future shocks by strengthening local production and improving supply chain resilience.”
As efforts continue, those living with HIV and the healthcare professionals who serve them remain in urgent need of reassurance — and action — to ensure that the crisis does not escalate into a national health emergency.
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