Alice Okwirry, a Nairobi resident relying on HIV medication, now receives only one-month refills as a result of the U.S. government’s foreign aid freeze.
Meanwhile, millions of life-saving doses remain stranded in a warehouse on the city’s outskirts, inaccessible due to funding issues.
Though the warehouse is just a short drive away, for Okwirry and many others, the gap feels insurmountable, highlighting the urgent need to resume drug distribution.
Impact of the Aid Freeze
The 90-day aid freeze, implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20, has disrupted the global medical supply chain, affecting numerous programs. While HIV treatment was officially exempt, the halt in USAID payments has effectively blocked drug distribution to Kenyan health centers.
Kenyan health officials warn that prolonged disruptions could lead to increased HIV transmission rates, treatment resistance, and worsening health conditions for thousands of patients who rely on uninterrupted medication.
A Growing Health Crisis
Clinics across Kenya are struggling to manage the shortage. Patients accustomed to receiving multi-month refills now visit clinics more frequently, straining an already overburdened healthcare system. Many fear running out of medication altogether.
“There’s no guarantee my next dose will be available,” said Okwirry. “It’s terrifying to think about what will happen if this continues.”
The situation also affects rural communities where access to healthcare is already limited. Without proper distribution, many patients in remote areas may be forced to go without treatment, increasing the risk of complications.
Call for Immediate Action
Health experts and advocacy groups are urging the U.S. government and international organizations to intervene. An estimated $10 million is required to restore drug distribution and prevent a full-blown public health crisis.
“The medicine is here, but without funding for distribution, it’s as good as useless,” said a former USAID official. “Lives are at stake, and immediate action is needed.”
As Kenyan HIV patients wait in uncertainty, the global health community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to prevent further harm.