NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 17 – Weak healthcare systems, funding gaps and drug shortages are undermining efforts to manage hypertension in Kilifi County, a study by the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme shows.
The research found that non-communicable disease (NCD) programmes face a 94 percent funding gap, limiting prevention and treatment efforts.
Hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, remains underfunded compared to infectious diseases.
The study also cites frequent drug shortages in public facilities, linked to delayed funding, county debts to the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), and poor forecasting.
In some cases, hospitals are forced to borrow medicines or ration doses.
Staff shortages are also severe, with support staff and volunteers stepping in due to lack of trained health workers.
Researchers found many clinicians lack updated training on hypertension care, while lower-level facilities face limited equipment and infrastructure.
The study highlights deeper systemic issues, including weak coordination and policies in the health sector.
While facilities are using stop-gap measures such as sharing drugs and equipment, researchers warn these are not sustainable without long-term investment in the health system.
