UNAIDS has welcomed the signing of a landmark five-year Health Framework for Cooperation between the United States Government and the Government of Kenya, describing it as a major boost to global efforts to end AIDS and strengthen health systems.
The agreement was signed in Washington DC on 4 December 2025 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto. It builds on decades of partnership between the two countries under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and signals renewed commitment to shared solidarity, co-investment, self-reliant systems and life-saving interventions. The framework aims to reduce new HIV infections and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS in Kenya.
The agreement aligns with UNAIDS global targets, including ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained, quality treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. It also supports the global goal of reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 90% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels.
Under the deal, the United States has committed up to US$1.6 billion over five years to provide technical assistance, capacity building and financial support to strengthen Kenya’s national HIV and health response. Kenya, in turn, will contribute about US$850 million in domestic funding to sustain and expand the programme.
UNAIDS described the agreement as a milestone in global health cooperation, bringing renewed momentum to Kenya’s HIV response and reinforcing US leadership in the global fight against AIDS.
Secretary Rubio noted that the Kenya agreement is the first of 50 planned bilateral health agreements with partner countries expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
