Parliamentary Delegation Visits Kenya to Strengthen Health Partnerships

The Global TB Caucus met with a delegation of French parliamentarians visiting Kenya as part of a joint mission by KANCO, Global Health Advocates and UNITAID to assess the impact of funding disruptions on TB, HIV, malaria, and maternal and child health services. Discussions focused on how parliamentarians and civil society organisations can sustain service delivery, safeguard community-led interventions, and maintain advocacy for domestic and external resources.

A System Under Pressure

The delegation’s visit came at a critical time. Following the recent cuts to PEPFAR and USAID funding, more than 41,000 health workers including data clerks, laboratory staff, and drivers have lost their jobs. Facilities have closed, medication stocks are delayed, and the quality of care is rapidly declining. Health data systems have also collapsed, leaving people unable to access their records when seeking help.

On the ground, fear and uncertainty are growing. Civil society organisations described the anxiety among people living with HIV and TB who used to receive six months of medication but now only receive enough for a day or two. Some, like a person living with HIV who had been receiving care from LVCT Health for over twenty years, are struggling after the closure of long-standing treatment centres.

The cuts have not only interrupted services but have also undone years of progress. Donors have noted that they do not often hear directly from African leaders, creating a gap in understanding of how these financial decisions affect lives at the community level. Civil society leaders stressed that without renewed engagement between governments, parliamentarians, and donors, the risk of losing hard-won gains is high.

Leadership, Communication, and Mental Health

French MPs expressed deep concern about the scale of the impact and showed strong interest in community-driven solutions. The discussions emphasised the need for political leadership that ensures continuity of services and for transparent communication between African governments and donor partners.

Mental health also emerged as an important issue. Participants noted that while mental health systems are still developing in Kenya, many people living with chronic illnesses are already showing signs of distress linked to funding uncertainty and reduced access to care. Civil society organisations highlighted the need to integrate mental health detection and support into broader health responses.

A Call for Sustainable Solutions

The dialogue concluded with a call for a sustainable roadmap that protects essential services and builds resilient health systems capable of withstanding funding shocks. Participants underscored that no donor has yet stepped in to fill the gaps and that alternative funding streams often do not prioritise HIV, TB, and malaria.

The French delegation reaffirmed that partnerships between legislators and communities are critical to sustaining progress. The discussions in Nairobi served as a reminder that political will, domestic investment, and international solidarity must go hand in hand to protect lives and preserve progress toward ending TB and related diseases by 2030.