NAIROBI —Kenya’s government has pledged to step up efforts to eliminate HIV in children, as it deepens ties with the United Nations on health policy and long-term care.
During a high-level meeting in Nairobi on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale met with officials from UNAIDS to discuss how to align Kenya’s HIV response with broader health reforms—especially the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“We are committed to ending HIV in children and building a future where every Kenyan can access care without stigma or financial strain,” Mr. Duale said. He noted the country was keen to embed HIV services within the newly formed Social Health Authority and push forward with digital health systems to reach more people efficiently.
The UNAIDS delegation was led by Country Director Medhin Tsehaiu, who shared updates on the H6 Partnership, a joint UN initiative that includes the World Bank, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, WHO, and UNAIDS itself. The group aims to strengthen health and social protection systems across Africa.
A Longstanding Partnership
Mr. Duale acknowledged the decades-long collaboration between Kenya and UNAIDS, calling it “foundational” to the country’s progress against HIV. But he also made clear that Kenya is now looking beyond donor dependence.
“We want to build a sustainable, resilient response that can stand the test of time—well beyond 2030,” he said.
Key areas of focus include reducing new infections, especially among children and adolescents, and ensuring that those living with HIV receive consistent treatment. The Ministry is also prioritizing the elimination of mother-to-child transmission—one of the most preventable forms of HIV spread.
Integrity at the Core
While expressing gratitude for international support, Mr. Duale stressed that integrity and transparency must underpin all future efforts.
“We’re not just asking for help—we are committing to accountability,” he said. “Every shilling and every decision must serve the people.”
He was joined at the meeting by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth and Dr. Andrew Mulwa, head of Kenya’s National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP).
Global and Local Pressure
Kenya is among several African countries facing pressure to hit global HIV targets while navigating a shifting donor landscape. The UNAIDS Sustainability and Transition Plan encourages governments to build stronger domestic health systems so that HIV programmes remain effective even as international funding declines.
UNAIDS has been key in coordinating support across 11 UN agencies. The agency says its work in Kenya is guided by both national development goals and the broader UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Experts warn that gains could easily be lost if coordination lapses.
“Kenya has done well, but we must keep pushing—especially in reaching young people and mothers in remote areas,” said Prof. Peter Cherutich, a former senior health official and leading voice in HIV prevention in East Africa.
The renewed commitment comes as Kenya eyes 2030—the global target year to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat. Whether that goal will be met remains uncertain. But the message from Nairobi on Monday was clear: the fight isn’t over.
