Nairobi — The fight against HIV/Aids has received a boost after the US Government injected Sh30 billion into the campaign.

The US Ambassador, Mr Michael Ranneberger, on Thursday said his Government had increased its funding for the war against Aids.

US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger with the Minister for Health and Sanitation Beth Mugo, at Afya House, Nairobi, on Thursday. Picture: Stafford Ondego

"The funding of the health sector has steadily increased and this year we are giving out US$500 million for the fight against Aids," he added.

Ranneberger was speaking at Afya House when he paid called on Public Health and Sanitation Minister, Mrs Beth Mugo.

He said that with the formation of a new Government, the US would intensify and expand co-operation between the two countries.

"We are looking forward to working with the Coalition Government but our largest partnership is in the health sector," he said.

He pointed out that the collaboration included the funding of programmes in the fight against HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health care and countering Female Genital Mutilation.

Ranneberger also stated that the US was providing support on health issues to displaced people.

Said he: "The IDP's are subject to greater health risk at the camps and that is why we pledged US$25 million towards their resettlement and access to medicine."

Mugo asked for funding for the new sanitation docket.

"We intend to have a fully fledged sanitation department and we need support on technical and capacity building," she said.

The minister expressed concern that sanitation remained a challenge in the slums and rural areas.