The decision by the Global Fund to fight HIV, tuberculosis and malaria to temporarily suspend funding is cause for concern for a country like ours that is highly dependent on foreign assistance.

Last week, the Global Fund suspended funding of any new programmes for the next two years because it has run low on cash.

Due to the unfolding economic crisis in the US and Europe, it has become difficult to come up with new funding.

Other reports also indicate that for the first time in a decade, funding for HIV declined last year.

This could have serious implications for the fight against the three diseases, especially for patients who are on antiretrovirals.

This development, while disappointing, should not have been totally unexpected since the signs of economic trouble were visible several years ago.

So far there has been talk of mobilising resources locally, but there is no evidence that this is in the pipeline.

It is commendable that in the current financial year, some Sh900 million was allocated to purchase antretrovirals.

However, this is just a drop in the ocean and much more needs to be done.

But to convince, Kenyan taxpayers that they need to contribute more towards these programmes, the government must make bold moves to put its house in order.

First, it must consider integrating the management of these diseases, especially HIV, into the general health care systems to cut down on administrative costs.

Secondly, it is time to dismantle the many parallel HIV programmes created mainly to compete for donor funding but which are unsustainable.

Non-governmental groups that are genuine about saving lives should cut down on unhealthy competition, duplication and endless conferences.