By Samwel Doe Ouma @samweldoe
The Government of Kenya has pledged US$ 10 Million to the Global Fund Kitty an Increment of 40 percent from the amount the pledged during 6th Replenishment in 2019, as a show of commitment and solidarity with Global Partners in the fight against HIV, TB and Malaria.
According to the Director of Public Health, Dr Francis Kuria who delivered the President Speech during the 7th Global Fund Replenishment in New York, Kenya remains one of the main beneficiaries of grants from the Global Fund.
“Since 2002 the Global Fund has provided over US$1.8 billion to Kenya to supplement the Governments efforts in ending TB, HIV/AIDS and Malaria pandemics and more recently COVID-19 while strengthening the health and community systems.” he said.
The Director noted that the funds have significantly contributed to the decline in the TB prevalence rates by 46 percent, reduction in the HIV death rates by 67 percent whilst increasing the number of people living HIV on the lifesaving antiretroviral treatment to 83 percent in addition to overall reduction of infant and child mortality due to Malaria from 30 percent in 2010, to 18 percent in 2021.
Dr. Kuria called on the Global Fund to support Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa quest to establish resilient and sustainable systems for health centered on innovation, research & development and local manufacturing of health commodities.
“Self-reliance in essential and specialized health commodities will fast track the push towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. In this regard, there is an emerging need to align national and development partners priorities in support of in the Global South.” He said.
During the 6th Replenishment conference, the Republic of Kenya pledged USD$ 6million. Previously, during the 3rd, 4th and 5th Global Fund replenishment cycles, Kenya pledged and honored USD 8,273, USD 2 Million and USD 5 million respectively.
