Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr Deborah Barasa has urged African counterparts to join Kenya in supporting the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) financial kitty in order to fill the gaps to be left by reduced contributions.

She regretted that despite the UNAIDS being instrumental in coordinating a global multisectoral response that has saved millions of lives, reduced contributions from significant donors have left the organization vulnerable.

“However, to send an important political message and reaffirm our collective commitment that Africa and the world still need UNAIDS to lead this response through 2030, ‘et’s come together and consolidate our contributions,” she said during the 55th meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB).

Kenya’s financial support, including hosting the 55th PCB meeting, the CS said yesterday underscores the trust the country has in UNAIDS.

“Over the next three days, we will focus on a fit-for-purpose Joint Programme and the mid-term review of the Global AIDS Strategy,” she said, calling on participants to deliberate with purpose, considering the millions of people who need the services.

Dr Barasa noted that Kenya recorded 83 percent reduction in new HIV infections and a 65 percent decline in AIDS-related deaths over the last decade.

“However, despite these gains, we must confront a stark reality: the world is not on track to meet the 2025 targets – We have uneven progress, inequalities such as access to treatment, sub-optimal political and financial support, and dwindling global commitment that’s threatening our goal of ending AIDS by 2030,” she said.

The participants visited various facilities and projects run jointly by the government and the private sector highlighting the country’s progress.

The persistent socioeconomic and cultural drivers of HIV, the CS noted, require a multisectoral response.
The meeting will end tomorrow.