Kenya keen on ending HIV/AIDS in children by 2027 – Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto says his administration is keen on ending HIV/AIDS in children by 2027.

Speaking at the Library grounds in Nairobi on Tuesday, during United States of America President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) 20th Anniversary celebrations in Kenya, the Head of State said he has given his commitment under the Global Alliance, to have children free from HIV/AIDS by 2027.

“Kenya is keen on ending HIV/AIDS in children by 2027 as part of its commitment under the Global Alliance. Our Universal Healthcare Coverage further offers an opportunity to address the financing gap in our country with respect to the infection. This is the time to make up for lost ground for the sake of our children,” he said.

President Ruto said through PEPFAR, Kenya has made impressive strides in the fight against HIV.

“We are highly grateful to the US government for this partnership that has changed the fortunes of our nation. Such strong show of solidarity is highly appreciated and we do not take the friendship and support for granted. I must say this is one of these very rare partnerships,” said Ruto.

He added that PEPFAR has channeled over US dollars 6.5 billion to aid in the fight against the scourge, since 2004.

“As a result, there has been a 68.5 percent reduction in new HIV infection and 53 percent reduction in HIV-related mortality, accompanied by tremendous improvement in the quality of life of persons living with HIV,” he stated.

In Kenya today, 1.4 million people living with HIV 1.4 million. 1.3 million receive anti-retroviral therapy (ART) from more than 3,000 health facilities across the country, including children as well as breastfeeding mothers on HIV treatment.

On her part, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman said partnership between the government and the private sector remains key to elimination of HIV/AIDS. “We must work together in creating awareness on the dangers posed by the disease,” she said.

The event was attended by among others, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for health Susan Nakhumicha.