Kenya faces the potential suspension of crucial HIV/Aids funding if the U.S. Congress does not reach a decision by the end of this month, reports Business Insider Africa.
In June of this year, a coalition of Kenyan Members of Parliament and religious leaders submitted a petition to the U.S. Congress, alleging that funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was being diverted to support abortion-related activities in Kenya.
Titled “Pepfar and African Values,” the letter was dispatched to various members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. It detailed concerns that the HIV funds allocated to Kenya were allegedly undermining the nation’s core values by financing family planning and reproductive health initiatives, including abortion.
The legislators issued a stern warning, asserting that HIV funding to Kenya should not be reauthorized until PEPFAR adheres to its fundamental mission and respects local customs, traditions, and values.
“As you now seek to reauthorize Pepfar funding, we want to express our concerns and suspicions about this funding. We ask that those partner organizations with whom the U.S. government collaborates to implement Pepfar programs do so in ways that are mindful and respectful of our beliefs, without promoting divisive ideas and practices that are inconsistent with African values,” the letter emphasized.
The letter further conveyed gratitude to the American people for their remarkable generosity and solidarity while urging that Kenyan voices be acknowledged and that their beliefs be safeguarded in future Pepfar programming.
Members of the U.S. Republican Party have called for a postponement of Pepfar funding for 2023-24, which is scheduled for the end of September, pending further resolution or handling of the matter.
However, numerous civil society organizations have called for the withdrawal of the letter, as they argue that the decision could significantly impact the provision of HIV/Aids care in the country.
In a letter addressed to Moses Wetang’ula, Speaker of the National Assembly, more than 50 civil society organizations expressed their opposition to the MPs’ stance. They contend that this decision could jeopardize the lives of over 1.6 million Kenyans living with HIV and the more than 55 million Kenyans benefiting from HIV programs supported by Pepfar.
These organizations stress that Pepfar funding accounts for over half of Kenya’s financing for HIV/Aids care. With the current funding term set to expire on September 30, Kenya anticipated receiving Ksh50 billion (approximately $343.9 million) in support for its HIV/Aids initiatives.
