Kenya signs $15 million grant agreement to fight HIV/AIDS

The Kenyan government recently signed an agreement for a grant worth 1.1 billion shillings, or about $15 million, for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Kenya's Nation reports.

According to the Nation, the funding will be shared among member countries of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya.

Acting Finance Minister John Michuki said the grant will complement contributions made by Kenya and other bilateral donors to fight the disease. In addition, IGAD Executive Mahboub Maalim said that IGAD governments will not cease in their efforts to curb HIV/AIDS, adding that the disease can be controlled through collaborative efforts.

According to the Nation, Michuki told IGAD members of Kenya's National AIDS Control Council that it will continue to support human resources, which will assist in the provision of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, as well as support and other services to internal refugees. Michuki said, "NACC will make available the necessary human resources to implement the regional activities and sub-projects in accordance with stipulated agreement," adding, "This is besides assisting in cross border collaboration on the health sector response to HIV and AIDS. The responsibility to coordinate and manage the project will be NACC, which is the key institution leading in the fight against the AIDS pandemic in the country."

The Nation also reports that the program, which will be implemented during the next four years, is expected to contribute to a decline in new HIV/AIDS cases. "It will be keenly monitored to ensure that targeted objectives are achieved," Michuki said (Kumba, Nation, 9/30).