481 million shillings is ready for disbursement as the government steps up its efforts in responding to HIV/AIDS.

The amount is part of the 8.5billion shillings to be used over the next four years in the fight against HIV. 

The money to be given to civil society organizations, private sector and research institutions is for round one of its implementation programme.

Speaking  on Monday at the launch of the Total War against HIV and AIDS- TOWA Minister for Special Programmes Naomi Shaban called on Kenyans to re-double their efforts in responding to the epidemic through evidence based approach that involves community participation, joint programming financing and partnerships.

"The emphasis of TOWA is on community partcipation and it focusses on joing programming and financing being co-financed by the World bank and the UK's department for international development(DFID)" The Minister said.

She added," The TOWA project gives us the impetus to double our efforts in lessening the suffering of our people and mitigating the socio-economic impact of the epidemic she said.

The recent release of the Kenya Aids Indicator Survey showing the HIV prevalence rate stands at 7.4% with nearly 1.4 million Kenyans living with HIV is the yardstick that has the government worrying.

Prevention being key in responding to the virus the launch of the Total War against HIV and AIDS brings with it renewed hope of an evidence-based approach in tackling HIV through strengthening leadership and supporting Programme implementations.

The government says the money will be issued to civil society groups, private sector and research institutions working towards achieving a free HIV/AIDS free society.