Withdrawal of US Pepfar Funding Exposes Pregnant Kenyan Women to Health Risks

The withdrawal of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) by the US government last year has placed the lives of many Kenyan women, especially in the Nyanza region at risk.

Following the withdrawal, pregnant women in Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties are struggling to get access to crucial malaria drugs provided for free under the program, The Standard reports.

The funding catered for anti-malarial drugs such as Fansidar, and Septrine as well as ARVs for those living with HIV.

An expectant mother who spoke to The Standard said she has not taken Fansidar for months and fears this could pose a health risk to her unborn child.

Another pregnant woman, who is living with HIV, said the drugs are no longer available in government health facilities. She is supposed to take Septrine daily to prevent any infection and cannot afford to buy a dose, which goes for 720.

“The drug is very expensive and sometimes I go for days without taking the prescribed dose,” she said.

Health experts have warned that the unavailability of the crucial drugs could lead to increased child mortality and premature births.