Kenyans living with HIV push for inclusion in SHA cover

Hundreds of Kenyans living with HIV were among participants in a march in Nairobi demanding inclusion in the new Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover.

The march, organised by the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK), ended with the presentation of a petition to the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) and the Ministry of Health headquarters.

The petition was made more urgent by the withdrawal of billions of shillings in funding for HIV and AIDS care by the new US administration.

The legacy of aid cuts colluded with local gaps in healthcare financing.

Here, they had no choice but to raise their voices in the streets, hoping someone would listen.

From the NASCOP building to Afya House, the chants echoed — this, the rallying call of nearly 1.4 million Kenyans living with HIV.

“Before you are treated for HIV, you need to be tested. But there is no money for private tests,” said a representative of NEPHAK ,Nelson Otuoma.

“All these people you see here are suffering, and they are registered at SHA, which is not helping. Can these tests be covered under SHA?” He posed.

They admit that many living with HIV are facing numerous challenges, and the lack of these essential tests poses a grave danger to their lives.

“We now have hunger and starvation in Marsabit County. Make testing and diagnosis free for HIV positive patients as part of care. Those are some of the things we don’t get and are demanding,” Edith Nyambura, representative, NEPHAK, stated.

Their grievances are many and urgent. Their struggles are a mark of a disturbing healthcare gap that they want addressed urgently. And so, they have presented their demands to the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC).

“We have come across data that is not accurate, purporting to give the viral status between March and August 2025. Whereas, during that time, there were no lab services,” added Nyambura.

They say the government, through the Ministry of Health, only provides ARVs to reduce the impact of HIV.

“HIV needs quality care… we need clarity from the government…” Otuoma noted.

They want the government to listen and respond to the memorandum they submitted to the Ministry of Health, pointing out that their situation is dire.