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Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha discloses that the National Aids Control Council has distributed 3,157,900 condoms outside of healthcare facilities in the last six months.
However, this figure excludes condoms sold by private entities.
Speaking to the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the State Department for Medical Services Budget Estimates for FY 2024-25, Nakhumicha reveals that the National AIDS and STI Control Programme attended to 1,207,482 clients on Ant-Retroviral Treatment.
Additionally, the Department of Family Health provided family planning commodities to 38.8% of women of reproductive age.
Addressing reports of condom shortages in January 2023, Nakhumicha asserts that the country has an excess stock of 38 million condoms.
She attributes reported shortages in certain regions to distribution challenges from Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) stores, despite distribution lists being shared with Kemsa by NACC.
Nakhumicha emphasizes the State Department’s dedication to collaborating with Parliament and stakeholders to ensure the accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare services for Kenyans.
She underscores the importance of increasing the budgetary ceiling for the State Department to address ongoing funding challenges.
Among the State Department’s priorities are ensuring commodity security for family health and strategic health programs, covering TB, malaria, family planning, HIV/AIDS, and nutrition.
Nakhumicha highlights the link between healthy citizens and economic growth, emphasizing that a healthy population contributes to a more productive workforce.
