Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised concerns about the looming health crisis in Kenya following the suspension of critical programs by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In a statement released today, Omtatah warned that the country is facing serious consequences as key health initiatives funded by USAID, including HIV/AIDS programs, maternal health, and the care of orphans, are now at risk due to the agency’s exit.

Omtatah criticized the government for its failure to secure sustainable health funding and called for urgent measures to address the gap left by the loss of USAID support. He emphasized the potential impact on vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV, orphans, and children, who depend on the programs that were funded by USAID.

“The government must act quickly to mitigate the damage caused by the sudden departure of USAID. The health of millions is at stake, and we cannot afford to wait any longer for solutions,” Omtatah said.

The suspension of USAID’s support has already disrupted several ongoing health programs, leaving over 1.4 million people living with HIV in Kenya at risk, with supplies of essential medicines, such as antiretrovirals, stranded in warehouses. The reduction of funding has also affected health workers who depend on external grants for their salaries and operational costs.

The senator also called for greater accountability in the allocation and management of domestic health resources, urging the government to prioritize healthcare as a matter of national security.