SHIF To Cover Treatment Of HIV and Other Pandemics: Ministry Says
The Ministry of Health has said that Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will cover treatment of HIV and other pandemics.
This is a sigh of relief for Kenyans living with HIV for they will access more free services through the new health authority.
Donors mostly fund ARVs, although HIV patients require other medications such as septrin and testing.
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha stated that these will be covered by the Social Health Authority, which will be implemented next month.
“It is important to note that HIV care is included in the package even as the transition of financing models is discussed,” according to her.
“The good news is that this new model includes clients at the NCD center and those with severe HIV illness. I urge all persons living with HIV to join SHA.”
SHIF To Cover Treatment Of HIV and Other Pandemics: Ministry Says
Kenya has an estimated 1.4 million people living with HIV, resulting in a national prevalence of 3.7%.
The Ministry of Health has hinted that 1,336,234 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) were treated by December 2023.
According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, medications cost Sh25 billion each year, with donors covering the majority of the cost.
Nakhumicha further stated that many PLHIV are now older and more susceptible to noncommunicable diseases than those without HIV.
“The quality of life for PLHIV on long-term therapy is a growing concern, especially given the increasing risk of noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues.
SHIF To Cover Treatment Of HIV and Other Pandemics: Ministry Says
“Addressing these issues requires a holistic, patient-centered, and integrated approach,” she stated at the recently concluded HIV Service Delivery Integration Summit.
It was organized by the National STI Control Programme (Nascop).
The ministry’s SHA benefits package includes free non-communicable illness screening at dispensaries up to Level 4.
The CS stated that HIV health services will no longer be segregated, and clinics will be merged with those that provide related services not supported by donors.
Kenya has 3,752 HIV treatment facilities, including those supported by public, commercial, and faith-based organisations.
According to the ministry, more than 90% of people living with HIV receive care in Level 2 to Level 4 health facilities. “Specifically, 21 per cent of PLHIV are cared for at Level 2 facilities, 27 per cent at Level 3 facilities, and 45 per cent at Level 4 facilities,” according to Nakhumicha.
SHIF To Cover Treatment Of HIV and Other Pandemics: Ministry Says
