The Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) has been called upon to allocate additional funds to counties with high HIV/AIDS prevalence to bolster efforts in combating the disease.
This appeal follows growing concerns over a significant decline in HIV/AIDS funding, raising fears about achieving the goal of eradicating the disease's spread by 2030. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has proposed that HIV prevalence be included as a key factor in determining the distribution of national revenue to counties.
“Our current revenue-sharing formula does not account for the heavy HIV burden in some counties. These areas have a high number of people undergoing treatment, yet this critical factor is overlooked in funding allocations,” Wanga stated.
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Speaking during the Homa Bay County World AIDS Day event, Wanga highlighted that diminishing donor funding for HIV programs signals an urgent need for the government to step up its support. “Counties with high HIV burdens need more resources allocated to ensure continuity in care and prevention programs, especially when donor funding runs out,” she added.
The Lake Region Economic Block has already submitted a proposal to the CRA, emphasizing the need to adjust revenue distribution to address disease burdens effectively.
Dr. Michael Audo, Project Director at LVCT Health, echoed the governor’s sentiments, urging stakeholders to intensify preventive measures and efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and reduce related mortality rates.
According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), counties such as Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Busia, and Kisii are among those with the highest HIV prevalence.
