KENYA — The U.S. government has granted an emergency waiver allowing the continuation of life-saving HIV treatment and medical services.
This move provides a reprieve for a global HIV treatment program that had been abruptly halted last week.
The “Emergency Humanitarian Waiver,” announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ensures that people in 55 countries worldwide can still access HIV treatment funded by the U.S.
However, it remains unclear whether the waiver also covers preventive drugs and other services provided under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Despite this temporary relief, the long-term future of PEPFAR remains uncertain.
The program supports more than 20 million people globally, including 500,000 children, who rely on it for essential HIV medication.
Without continued treatment, millions in low-income countries face the risk of developing full-blown AIDS and premature death.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration issued an executive order imposing a 90-day pause on U.S. foreign development assistance.
The directive, aimed at reassessing program effectiveness and alignment with U.S. foreign policy, was one of the first major foreign policy decisions of the new administration.
As a result, health organizations in recipient countries were ordered to halt the distribution of HIV medications purchased with U.S. aid.
This directive, approved by the U.S. Secretary of State, primarily affects HIV/AIDS patients in countries like Kenya, where PEPFAR plays a crucial role.
The program, with an annual budget of US$7.5 billion overseen by the U.S. State Department, funds numerous projects in Kenya focused on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and management.
From October 2024 to September 2025, PEPFAR had allocated Ksh. 43 billion (US$333.075 million) to support these efforts in Kenya alone.
The funding cut has raised concerns among healthcare stakeholders, who warn that disruptions to treatment could endanger patients’ health and increase the spread of the virus.
Additionally, inconsistent medication access may lead to the emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains, complicating future treatment efforts.
In response, the Kenyan government has reassured citizens that steps are being taken to ensure continued HIV care.
Since December 2024, Kenya has been transitioning to alternative funding sources to sustain HIV programs.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa stated that the government is exploring new funding mechanisms following the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the cessation of HIV-related aid.
Speaking at the East Africa Health Summit in Mombasa, CS Barasa emphasized the need for Africa to build resilient health systems.
Meanwhile, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai assured the public that there are sufficient antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to support Kenya’s 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS.
He also noted that the government is reallocating funds to sustain critical health programs in light of the U.S. aid withdrawal.
The emergency waiver allows the continuation of life-saving humanitarian assistance, covering essential medicine and medical services, including HIV treatment. It also ensures the supply chain for these vital services remains intact.
Since 2003, USAID and Kenya have partnered through PEPFAR to provide HIV testing kits, medication, and medical supplies.
This collaboration has prevented approximately 270,000 HIV-related deaths in Kenya and saved 26 million lives worldwide.
Following the waiver announcement, UNAIDS welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted treatment for millions of people living with HIV.
The organization reiterated its commitment to ensuring that key PEPFAR services, including prevention, care, and support for orphans and vulnerable children, continue without disruption.
UNAIDS has also urged President Donald J. Trump to maintain the U.S. government’s leadership in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, highlighting the shared goal of ending the epidemic.
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