KEMSA denies reports of ARVs, HIV test kits shortage
The Ministry of Health has dismissed reports that there is a shortage of anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) and HIV/Aids test kits.
Speaking during a press conference on the State of Health at Afya House, Kenya Medical Supply Authority (KEMSA) Chief Executive Officer Waqo Dulacha said the country has faced out Atazanavir (ATV/r) and changed to dolutegravir (DTG) based regimens.
“There is no shortage of ARVs because we changed to DTG from ATV/r as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). So whether ATV/r is there or not we do not need it currently. We are well stocked with DTG,” Waqo said.
He was reacting to media reports indicating that the country is experiencing a shortage of the drugs and kits, among other vital medicines.
According to last year’s report, Kenya recorded 16,752 new HIV infections with 10,784 in women and 5,968 in men.
The country also reported 20,480 Aids-related deaths last year, including 2,607 children.
This means that other Kenyans who are HIV-free, especially discordant couples, are at risk of contracting the virus.
As it stands, 97 per cent of people living with the disease in the government database are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) while 94 per cent are virally suppressed.
Further, on the shortage of the BCG vaccines, Health Director General Patrick Amoth stated that the procurement was affected by the Finance bill not being passed hence the delay of disbursement of funds to Gavi whom they procured the vaccines through at UNICEF.
“When the finance Bill which ensures that we get resources as a sector was not ascended by the president last year, it meant a delay in getting funds to order the vaccines because we could not pay Gavi,” he said.
Amoth said at the end of this month, the vaccines will be available at various facilities across the country.
“At the end of January, the BCG vaccines will be available at all the facilities,” he said.
