The recent US funding freeze has revealed a critical gap in Africa’s HIV response- a gap that cannot be ignored any longer. An article by award-winning journalist and Africa REACH Leadership Council Member, Leon Lidigu, highlights how Nairobi is grappling with a condom shortage that has left communities vulnerable.

For years, donor funding has sustained core services like condom distribution and PrEP access, particularly for women and underserved groups. Now, with the freeze, organisations like the Bar Hostess Empowerment and Support Programme (BHESP)-which previously provided 100,000 condoms daily in Nairobi are struggling to meet demand. Some of their beneficiaries report rewashing and reusing condoms, a dangerous practice that could potentially increases the risk of HIV and STIs.

Health experts are already warning of a sharp rise in HIV infections if urgent action is not taken!

This crisis highlights the undeniable need for African-led, homegrown solutions. While US investment has played a significant role in public health, African governments must step up and allocate domestic resources to sustain these vital interventions. Africa needs be able to sustain its public health gains on it own resources. We cannot afford to rely on external aid alone.

The time to act is NOW. We must push for domestic financing to ensure continued access to HIV prevention and treatment services.