Government pledges uninterrupted ARV supply amid US funding cuts

Geoffrey Satia-KNA

The Government shall ensure the steady supply of ARVs to ensure HIV patients have immunity, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo Barasa has said.

Dr Barasa said the government will not allow HIV patients to suffer drug supply setbacks, assuring that all centres issuing ARVs shall receive the needed requisition.

The CS made the remarks during the national celebration of World Oral Health Day at Mosoriot Kenya Medical Training Campus ground in Chesumei Constituency, Nandi County.

The assurance comes even after the US government recently suspended funding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) which for long has been aiding the supply of ARVs in host countries.

The announcement by the US government sent fear among Kenyans who use ARVs that their lives would be in danger.

“As a government, we are committed to make sure no patient using ARVs suffer supply challenges and nobody should panic,” she promised.

Barasa used the occasion to ask Nandi residents to check their oral health status as it is becoming a problem to many Kenyans.

 “Many ailments that we suffer have a direct link to our oral health and we need to visit physicians to understand ourselves,” she said.

She said the introduction of the Community Oral Health course at Mosoriot KMTC, and many other campuses is to ensure the country has enough oral health specialists to handle dental health challenges.

The CS applauded community health promoters as a key component in promoting oral health in the community.

She urged the community health promoters present at the function to use all available opportunities to promote the importance of observing oral health and highlighting government health agenda, including Social Health Authority (SHA).

 The CS asked residents to use the newly created Dental Centre at Mosoriot KMTC Campus to improve their oral health status.

“Those who are registered with SHA shall have an opportunity to use it while seeking dental services here at Mosoriot KMTC Campus,” she said.

Dr Barasa promised to work closely with the County Government of Nandi to ensure all residents receive the needed health services.

Nandi Chief Executive Committee Member in charge of Health and Sanitation Dr. Angeline Chepchirchir reiterated that oral health is key, and that Nandi County will ensure all programs on good oral health are given priority.

Nandi County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili emphasized the importance of sound oral health as it determines one's self-esteem while carrying out daily duties.

The function was also attended by among others Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni and Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei.