Kenya HIV clinics close following US humanitarian aid cuts

Reductions in United States humanitarian aid under the Trump administration have led to the closure of numerous clinics in Kenya, specifically those serving sex workers. These facilities provided essential services, including antiretroviral treatments, condoms, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Reports indicate that at least 24 HIV-positive sex workers in Kenya who were healthy at the start of 2025 have died following the freeze on American aid. While a five-year, $2.5 billion health agreement was signed between Washington and Nairobi in December, the practical impact on vulnerable populations has been minimal. This is attributed to new administrative rules that prohibit US-funded organizations from promoting social issues that the administration disapproves of.

A July 2026 report from the Foundation for Research on AIDS (amfAR) highlighted a broader global trend, stating that 73% of organizations receiving US funding had discontinued services for “key populations,” including sex workers, LGBT communities, and drug users. Experts warn that these funding shifts could lead to a significant surge in HIV infections in Kenya.