Kenya, March 21 : The government shall ensure the supply of ARVs to ensure the immunity of HIV patients is maintained, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa has revealed.

Dr. Barasa said the government will not allow HIV patients to suffer drug supply setbacks, assuring that all centres issuing ARVs shall receive needed requisitions.

The CS made the remarks during the national celebration of World Oral Health Day at the Mosoriot Kenya Medical Training Campus grounds in Chesumei Constituency, Nandi County.

This assurance comes even after the US government recently suspended funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which for long has been aiding the supply of ARVs in host countries.

The announcement by the US government to suspend funding for most of the USAID activities worldwide sent fear among Kenyans using ARVs that their lives would be in danger.

“As a government, we are committed to making sure no patient using ARVs suffers supply challenges, and nobody should panic,” she promised.

Barasa used the occasion to ask Nandi residents to check their oral health status, as it is becoming a problem for many Kenyans.

“Many ailments that we suffer have a direct link to our oral health, and we need to visit physicians to understand ourselves,” she advised.

She said the introduction of the Community Oral Health course in Mosoriot KMTC and many other campuses is to ensure the country has enough oral health specialists to handle dental health challenges.

The CS applauded community health promoters as a key component in the promotion of oral health in the community.

She asked the community health promoters present at the function to use all available opportunities to promote the importance of observing oral health and also highlight the government health agenda, including the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The CS asked residents to use the newly created Dental Centre at Mosoriot KMTC Campus to improve their oral health status. Those who are registered with SHA shall have an opportunity to use it while seeking dental services here at Mosoriot KMTC Campus,” she said.

Dr Barasa promised to work closely with the County Government of Nandi to ensure all residents get needed health services.

Nandi Chief Executive Committee Member in charge of Health and Sanitation Dr. Angeline Chepchirchir reiterated that oral health was key and that Nandi County will ensure all programmes on good oral health are given priority.

Nandi County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili emphasised the importance of sound oral health, as it determines one’s self-esteem while carrying out daily duties.

The function was also attended by, among others, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni and Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei.