The HIV Service Delivery Integration Summit opened Tuesday in Mombasa with a focus on strengthening Kenya’s response to HIV/AIDS through enhanced collaboration and innovative strategies.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, in her virtual opening remarks, highlighted the critical role of integrated healthcare in combating the epidemic.
CS Nakhumicha celebrated significant progress in reducing HIV infection rates and improving care for 1.4 million Kenyans living with HIV, attributing success to strategic frameworks, legislative support, and robust healthcare systems.
She emphasized the need to integrate HIV services into comprehensive healthcare models to enhance efficiency and equity.
The summit, attended by health professionals and policymakers, aims to align Kenya’s HIV response with broader healthcare reforms, including Universal Health Coverage.
Nakhumicha called for investments in local pharmaceutical manufacturing and digital health solutions, citing the Digital Health Act 2023 as crucial for innovation.
Expressing optimism, she anticipated policy shifts and investments that would help end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat and encouraged PLHIV to register with the Social Health Authority for comprehensive care management.