People living with HIV (PLHIV) and tuberculosis (TB) staged a peaceful protest outside the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, demanding immediate inclusion of HIV and TB care in the new Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme.
The demonstration, led by the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK), accused the government of discrimination and neglecting the needs of thousands by omitting HIV critical services from SHA’s benefits package.
Nelson Otwoma, NEPHAK’s National Coordinator, emphasized their demand saying, “We want Health Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Adan Duale, to make sure that going forward, HIV services are part of SHA.”
He highlighted that while donors provide Antiretrovirals (ARVs) free of charge, essential laboratory services crucial for monitoring treatment, such as viral load and CD4 testing, are now being charged to patients, placing an “unbearable financial burden” on them.
With over one million Kenyans living with HIV, Otwoma stated that the exclusion amounts to stigma and discrimination, especially as most patients rely entirely on public facilities. The withdrawal of support by the U.S. government has already severely affected lab operations, leaving patients unable to get necessary tests for months.
Crucially, without laboratory tests, treatment cannot be monitored effectively. Otwoma noted this is leading to undetected complications like kidney issues and other non-communicable diseases.
NEPHAK has attempted to engage with the government. Otwoma mentioned meeting with Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary for Public Health, who advised them to write to the Chairman of the Benefits and Tariffs Advisory Committee—the body defining SHA’s coverage. The network sent the letter but received no response.
“Today we are here to follow up and ensure the Cabinet Secretary is aware that people are suffering,” Otwoma declared, issuing a clear warning: “If there is no action within two weeks, we will mobilise all Kenyans living with HIV to come here.”
The protesters submitted a formal petition, urging the inclusion of HIV and TB care to ensure the continuity of care amidst the gradual withdrawal of donor funding from organizations like PEPFAR and the Global Fund.
Edith Nyambura, NEPHAK’s Nairobi Chapter female representative, read a letter addressed to Dr. Bosire, the Executive Director of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC). The letter called for the NSDCC to urgently convene a national leadership summit for PLHIV to deliberate on HIV financing and community engagement in the changing response landscape.
Nyambura stressed the need for the NSDCC to strengthen coordination with PLHIV networks, ensure structured engagement, and provide accurate data that truly reflects the state of HIV services in Kenya.
