What’s Next? USAID Drug Supply Halt Threatens Global Health Programs
As a result, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—which has operated in Kenya since 2003—now faces a potential shutdown.

USA President Donald Trump. Photo/TimesLive.
By Joy Jeelagat
A recent executive order suspending the supply of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria medications has placed nations reliant on USAID assistance in a precarious position.
This follows a directive from former U.S. President Donald Trump instructing all federal health agencies to temporarily cease external communications, including drug administration channels.
As a result, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—which has operated in Kenya since 2003—now faces a potential shutdown.
PEPFAR has been instrumental in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic, significantly reducing AIDS-related deaths, improving the quality of life for those affected, and spearheading prevention efforts such as HIV testing, public education, and voluntary medical male circumcision to curb new infections.
The program has also prioritized the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, provided critical support for orphans and vulnerable children impacted by HIV/AIDS, and funded healthcare infrastructure and workforce training initiatives.
Speaking at the East Africa Regional Global Health Security Summit in Mombasa, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured stakeholders that the ministry is formulating an intervention strategy.
“As the Ministry of Health, I have directed various state departments, programs, and directors to assess the financial and human resource impact. We will develop a comprehensive response plan, which will be presented to the Cabinet for approval.” Said Dr Deborah
Dr. Barasa also emphasized that this crisis serves as a wake-up call for African nations to invest in resilient healthcare systems.
To date, PEPFAR has saved approximately 270,000 lives in Kenya and provided life-saving treatment to over 26 million HIV patients globally.
In light of the funding suspension, the Kenyan government has urged citizens to remain calm, noting that preparations for transitioning to alternative funding sources have been underway since December 2024.