AIDS was first recognized in 1981 among homosexual men in the USA and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, was first identified in 1983. In Kenya the first AIDS victim was identified in 1984 and marked the beginning of a new era in Kenya’s history. Since its first case, AIDS has grown exponentially in Kenya. It is estimated that 2.1 million Kenyans are now living with HIV infection, but few know that they are infected or are showing outward symptoms of the disease. Approximately 200,000 have AIDS while the same number acquires the virus each year. Over 1.5 million Kenyan have died of AIDS. Since the epidemic started, over 60 million people have been infected with the virus worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, AIDS is the leading cause of death while globally it is the 4th biggest killer disease.

President Bush signed the U.S. Leadership against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003 into law on May 27, 2003. The President renews the United States commitment to provide $15 billion over the next 5 years to the most HIV/AIDS afflicted countries in Africa. This is the largest, single up front commitment in history for an international public health initiative involving a specific disease. The president stated that, “The suffering in Africa is great. The United States of America has the power and we have the moral duty to help. And I am proud that our blessed and generous nation is fulfilling that duty.”

With nearly 15% of the population infected with HIV, the Kenyan government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities and international organizations have taken steps to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of AIDS and the actual causes and effects of the disease. Though the infection rate seems to have stabilized, the life expectancy in Kenya has fallen to a mere 45 years old. In recent years, the government has taken a more proactive approach in acknowledging the extent of the problem and facing the issue head on. In 2001, legislation was passed making the importation and production of generic anti-AIDS drugs legal in Kenya. In 2000, President Moi formed the National AIDS Control Council which studied how the government could affect the spread of AIDS. President Moi declared the disease a national disaster and made public statements approving the use of condoms and AIDS education. USAID recently developed a blood transfusion policy and is working with the government to increase awareness and the availability of health services. However, the government does no

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