The Kenya Medical Supplies Agency(KEMSA) corruption scandal puts the country at risk of losing Sh.48 billion if the government will not fully commit itself in ensuring the medical supplier undergoes positive reforms.
The Global Fund Grant Management Division head Mark Edington warned that the country could miss out on donor funding if it does not address corruption allegations revolving around the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) by
the medical supplies agency.
“It is important that we have commitment as a government in the ongoing reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency. We request the government to pay urgent attention and put in place mitigation measures to procure equipment and drugs occasioned by the delays. We will be reaching out to the Auditor General to obtain clarification on the auditing process,” he said.
Edington warned that even though the body appreciated the ongoing reforms at
Kemsa, its cleansing was very critical for the health sector.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission began investigating allegations of Kemsa corruption scandal last year.
Kemsa was also put on the spot after ARV medication donated by USAID was stuck at the Mombasa port since January, after what USAID claimed to be lack of confidence in the drug agency.
This came up yesterday during a virtual meeting of the signing of a Sh.48 billion grant from the Global Fund that will see Kenya address issues of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
The Sh.48 billion boost by the Global Fund this time round is to cater for the programs through 2021 to 2024.
“We hope to achieve comprehensive prevention, treatment and care for people infected with HIV, TB, leprosy, lung disease, as well as reduce malaria incidents by at least 75% of the 216 levels by 2023,” said Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Rashid Aman.
Amref Health Africa Group CEO Dr. Githinji Gitahi, on his part, said community health services are the ones that actually make these grants work, whether its HIV, TB, malaria…community health services are critical towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The money which amounts to $441.5 million will be distributed to the recipients including the National Treasury which will be issued with $294 million for HIV, TB and malaria; $70 million to Amref Health Africa for TB and malaria; and $76 million to Kenya Red Cross society for HIV program.
“We urge the National Treasury, as the principal recipient of the Global Fund, to ensure timely disbursement of funds for purposes of timely implementation of these critical activities,” said Council of Governors Chairman Martin Wambora.