Kenya is facing a severe shortage of essential medical supplies, including antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, HIV test kits, BCG vaccines, hospital supplies, and state-supplied condoms. This has put millions of lives at risk, particularly those living with HIV.
The country has completely exhausted its stock of essential HIV medicines such as Atazanavir. The shortage threatens to undo years of progress in fighting the epidemic, impacting approximately 1.378 million people living with HIV in Kenya who rely on these medication. Additionally, the nation has run out of key HIV testing kits like Trinscreen and First Response, leaving only the rapidly depleting Standard Q test kits available.
Basic vaccines for newborns, particularly BCG vaccines that protect against tuberculosis, are also in short supply. Public hospitals are struggling as 90% of Kenyan healthcare facilities are unable to cover operational costs.
This critical situation has prompted healthcare officials to urge the government and international organizations to address the shortages promptly.
