A group of writers note about the country, "In 2003, the official HIV prevalence declined to 6.7%. Tuberculosis, other infectious diseases, and malnutrition remain some of the country's biggest public health problems" (Hugenberg, Anjango, Mwita & Opondo, 2007). Because the country experiences so many health concerns, the cost of health care delivery is high. The latest numbers from 2001-2002 indicate that Kenya spends about 5.1% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in health care delivery. That equates to about $19.2 in U.S. dollars per resident (Hugenberg, Anjango, Mwita & Opondo, 2007). The group of writers continue, "The Ministry of Health operates 52% of health institutions; private parties run the other 48%. Patients paid privately for 45% of all health expenses, the Ministry of Health paid 35%, and international donors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), churches, or other sources paid for the rest" (Hugenberg, Anjango, Mwita & Opondo, 2007). Under the new plan, these numbers will certainly change, but there are no estimates how much they will affect the government's future budgets.

In conclusion, Kenya's people face health care system difficulties because of...

Kenya is hoping to change that by essentially privatizing the health care delivery system. The private companies, however, may have trouble making the system work, and the government has warned them to expect very low profits for at least the first few years of the new system (Onyango). Because of these difficulties, many people in Kenya continue to go without treatment for diseases and illnesses, which only adds to the overall health care costs.
References

Editors. (2010). Health care and medical services. Retrieved 11 Feb. 2009 from the Government of Kenya Web site: http://www.kenya.go.ke//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=1.

Hugenberg, F., Anjango, W.O., Mwita, a., & Opondo, D. (2007). Firearm injuries in Nairobi, Kenya: Who pays the price? Journal of Public Health Policy, 28(4), 410+.

McIver, B. (2007, March 7). The kids of Kibera; in Africa's AIDS-ravaged slums Daily Record, p. 31.

Onyango, D. (2009). Kenya's new private equity health plan. Retrieved 11 Feb 2009 from the Orato.com Web site: http://www.orato.com/world-affairs/kenyas-new-private-equity-health-plan.