According to the national Health Management Information System the burden of communicable diseases is high, with malaria the leading cause of morbidity (30%) followed by respiratory diseases (24.5%). Recently, positive gains are emerging in malaria and HIV control, owing to availability of resources and improved coordination for scale-up of targeted interventions, and these need to be intensified to reach universal coverage targets.

The non-communicable disease burden is also on the rise with diabetes prevalence at 3.3%, a 3-fold increase over the last 10 years. Mental illnesses and road traffic injuries are on the increase, and 13% of school-age children aged 13-15 years are active cigarette smokers. Persistent poverty and low water and sanitation coverage have contributed to sanitation-related illnesses, such as cholera. There are also pockets of neglected tropical diseases, such as lymphatic filariasis and kala azar, in rural areas[1].

1)      HIV/AIDS: HIV prevalence in the 15-45 age group is 7.4%, the rate being higher in women (8.5%) compared to men (5.6%). The large majority (83%) of those infected does not know their HIV status, and only 35% of those in need of ART are accessing treatment[2]. HIV control in Kenya is mostly donor funded, with the Government of Kenya providing only about 5% of total funding[3];

2)      TB: TB control has been challenging, with a high TB prevalence of 319 per 100000, TB/HIV co-infection of 53% and a growing threat of MDR/XDR-TB4[4];

3)      Malaria: Malaria prevalence is 14% and insecticide-treated net coverage in pregnant women and children <5 years is 40% and 39% respectively[5].

[1] Dr Regina Mbindyo, Dr David Okello, and Dr Francis Kimani, Experience with Supporting Pharmaceutical Policies and Systems in Kenya: Progress, Lessons and the Role of WHO, pp.1-2.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Pharmaceutical Sector Profile: Kenya, Global UNIDO Project: Strengthening the Local Production of Essential Generic Drugs in the Least Developed and Developing Countries, UNIDO, 2010, p.2.

[4] Dr Regina Mbindyo, Dr David Okello, and Dr Francis Kimani, Experience with Supporting Pharmaceutical Policies and Systems in Kenya: Progress, Lessons and the Role of WHO, pp.1-2.

[5] Ibid.