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By George Juma
Published on: June 06, 2024, 07:46 (EAT)
Kenya faces mounting pressure to eliminate new HIV infections by 2030. With approximately 1.3 million people living with HIV, the country recently reported about 22,000 new cases. However, there is a positive trend showing a reduction in new HIV cases compared to previous years.
The ambitious goal is to achieve zero new HIV infections by 2030. This timeline coincides with the expected withdrawal of donor support for HIV services. Kenya aims to become self-reliant in its fight against the virus.
Dr. Daglas Bosire, representing the National Syndemic Disease Control Council, emphasized the urgency of ending new HIV infections by 2030. He spoke during a science café organized by Media for Environment Science, Health, and Agriculture (MESHA) in Homabay County.
Dr. Bosire highlighted the financial challenge: If donors cease their support by 2030, the county won’t be able to fully finance all HIV services. Consequently, the only viable option is to reduce new HIV cases to zero within the stipulated timeframe.Celebrity gossip videos
“We are living on the edge because donors have told us that by 2030, we should be on a journey to self-reliance. Once they withdraw their millions of dollars, which currently fund almost 85% of our country’s HIV response, we face significant risk,” Bosire remarked.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health, along with partners, maintains a strong focus on youth and adolescents. These demographics contribute significantly to the high percentage of new HIV infections. Data from the Ministry of Health reveals that out of approximately 22,000 new HIV cases reported in 2022:
- The majority were among youth and adolescents aged 14-24.
- New HIV infections among children and adolescents aged 0-14 numbered 4,464.
- For those aged 10-19, there were 3,244 new infections.
- The age group 15-24 accounted for 7,304 new cases, representing 41% of all new HIV infections in 2022.
Caroline Kinoti, a Public Support Officer at the National Syndemic Disease Control Council, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the triple threats of HIV, teen pregnancy, and gender-based violence. These threats disproportionately affect youth and adolescents. The ministry aims to implement twelve commitments, including reducing new HIV infections among this demographic, improving access to diagnosis and treatment, delaying sexual debut, and ensuring successful transitions to secondary schools.
