Global fund to support Kenya's HIV/AIDS programs

Health Principal Secretary Julius Korir photo:courtesy

The Global Fund has given Kenya Sh33 billion to boost the fight against HIV/Aids, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Health Principal Secretary Julius Korir said the money would go a long way in boosting efforts to manage the diseases.

The money comes three months after Kenya put in a request and is expected to finance programmes that aim to fight the diseases between 2018 and 2020.

"Much of the grant will be used to procure life-saving medicines for HIV, TB, and malaria patients," a statement from the ministry said.

Korir said the Global Fund's technical review panel approved the money after finding Kenya's application 'technically sound' and 'strategically focused'.

Anti-HIV programmes will get the biggest allocation of Sh21.6 billion as malaria takes Sh6 billion. Sh4 billion will go to the fight against TB and resilient, sustainable health systems will get Sh3.9 billion.

The PS said the Global Fund and other partners would provide technical assistance.