The United States has approved an emergency humanitarian waiver allowing continued access to HIV treatment funded by the U.S. across 55 countries worldwide including Kenya.
On January 29, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the waiver, ensuring that over 20 million people living with HIV globally can continue receiving life-saving medication through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—the world’s leading HIV initiative.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima welcomed the decision, emphasizing its significance.
“UNAIDS welcomes this waiver from the U.S. government, which ensures that millions of people living with HIV can continue to receive life-saving HIV medication during the assessment of U.S. foreign development assistance,” she stated.
“This urgent decision recognizes PEPFAR’s critical role in the AIDS response and restores hope to people living with HIV.”
Relief for HIV Patients as Trump Makes U-Turn on HIV Aid
Despite initial concerns following the U.S. funding freeze, Kenyan health officials assured citizens that there is no immediate crisis.
Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth stated that Kenya has sufficient HIV medication to last six months.
“Our prescription pattern for antiretroviral therapy ensures patients receive three to six months’ worth of medication. No one should miss treatment despite global uncertainties. It is our responsibility as experts to shield patients and ensure continuity of care,” said Dr. Amoth.
Also Read: Kenya Panics After Trump Funding Order
Acknowledging the impact of Trump’s actions on HIV aid, Health Principal Secretary Hillary Kimutai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining treatment programs.
“We will engage the Treasury to ensure continued funding for patients on ARVs,” he stated.
The humanitarian waiver approval follows the U.S. Department of State’s recent announcement of an immediate 90-day funding pause for all foreign assistance, including PEPFAR-supported services.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta Urges African Countries to stop Relying on Foreign Aid
Meanwhile, former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged African nations to prioritize self-reliance instead of depending on foreign aid. Speaking at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit 2025 in Mombasa, he criticized the reliance on U.S. support.
Also Read: ‘Why are You Crying?’- Uhuru Responds to Kenyans Over Trump Order
“We must begin to reprioritize what is important for us as Africans and allocate our resources accordingly. Let’s be prepared and self-reliant in addressing our challenges,” he said.
“I saw some people crying that Trump cut funding. Why are you crying? It’s not your government, not your country. He has no obligation to give you anything—you don’t pay taxes in America,” he added.
The approval of the waiver marks a crucial step in ensuring the continuity of HIV treatment programs across affected nations, offering relief to millions of patients worldwide.
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