Why Aids deaths may soon rise

By Elizabeth Mwai

The impact of flat lining and reduction of Aids funds is putting treatment in jeopardy.

This may soon lead to deadly consequences, Aids experts warn.

In the next few years it is estimated that about 600,000 more people will need ARVs. But due to wrangles between civil societies, the Government and Care International Kenya has lost about Sh50 billion of the Global Fund in 2008 and 2009.

In fact some Sh68 million of round two was returned to donors due to expiry of the time given to us the funds.

What is worse is that there are frequent ARV and other essential drugs stock outs owing to the fact that the Government contribution to Aids drugs is a mere 10 per cent and support 25,000 out of the 3,00000 people on treatment.

Not over-funded

This comes at a time when the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC) has released a report urging African and G8 leaders to heed the early warning signs of lives at risk and treatment programmes. Evidence from research conducted six countries including Kenya, Malawi and Swaziland indicates early warning signs of deadly impact to come

According to the report the danger signs are clear as cuts Aids budgets falls short leading to fewer people on treatment. "AID response is being starved, not over-funded, says the coalition.