Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe today commissioned the “Kitui County Transition Roadmap to a Sustainable HIV/TB Program 2023-2027,” marking a significant milestone in the county’s public health efforts. This new roadmap aims to ensure that Kitui can independently manage its HIV and TB programs, transitioning from reliance on international aid to a self-sustained model.
Speaking at the event, Governor Malombe praised the county’s strides in combating HIV and TB. He highlighted that through combined efforts of the county government and its partners, the spread of these diseases has been significantly slowed. This collaboration has resulted in a notable reduction in the HIV prevalence rate, which has decreased from 3.8% in 2021 to 3.1% in 2024.
The governor acknowledged the substantial financial support Kitui has received since 2008, amounting to over Ksh 750 million. This funding has been crucial in supporting various HIV prevention, care, and treatment services within the county. However, he also pointed out that there has been a notable decline in donor funding, from Ksh 161 million in the 2017/2018 period to Ksh 117 million in 2022/2023. This reduction presents a challenge to maintaining the program’s momentum.
Dr. Malombe emphasized that the new roadmap is designed to address this funding gap by shifting from US government support to a locally led and funded initiative. The Kitui County Transition Roadmap to a sustainable HIV/TB program represents a strategic plan to ensure the continuity and enhancement of these vital health services under county management.
Further supporting this transition, the governor highlighted the establishment of the Kitui County Cooperative Agreement (CoAg) – the TUJIMUDU Project. This initiative, under the Government to Government funding agreement with the US, allocates Ksh 36 million to focus on strengthening the health systems within Kitui County. This funding will play a critical role in fortifying the county’s health infrastructure to better manage and sustain HIV/TB programs.
Dr. Jennifer Galbraith, the Centre for Disease Control Country Director, also attended the event. She commended Kitui’s leadership for its remarkable progress in reducing HIV prevalence. Dr. Galbraith applauded the collaborative efforts between the county government and its partners, noting that such cooperation is essential for the continued success of public health initiatives.
The launch of the “Kitui County Transition Roadmap to a Sustainable HIV/TB Program 2023-2027” signifies a crucial step towards self-reliance in managing HIV and TB in Kitui. By focusing on local ownership and sustainable funding models, Kitui County aims to build a resilient health system capable of maintaining and advancing the gains made in the fight against these diseases.
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