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Surge in HIV cases alarms health sector, calls for swift action

Health
Grace Githinji
Author: Grace Githinji
1 min.read

Kenya faces a worrying spike in new HIV infections, especially among young people. Health officials and community leaders have voiced urgent concerns as the country sees nearly 6,000 new cases among 15- to 24-year-olds within a year.

Initially, Kenya aimed to cut HIV infections by 75% in four years. Yet, the latest data from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) shows only a 60% drop. Alarmingly, Mandera County recorded a 156% increase.

Officials blame shifting behaviors, reduced sexual health education, and funding gaps for the setback. As a result, teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence (GBV) have surged.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga underscored the need to integrate HIV services into county systems. He emphasized that 10 counties bear 69% of the HIV burden.

In response, counties like Kisumu leading in HIV prevalence, have launched localized awareness drives. Senator Catherine Mumma backed these efforts, urging honest discussions and age-appropriate sex education.

Meanwhile, funding shortfalls have disrupted both treatment and prevention. According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya risks surpassing 58,000 new infections annually without intervention.

The government now seeks over Sh5 billion to maintain HIV programs through June 2025 and an additional Sh13.5 billion for the next fiscal year.

Despite surpassing UNAIDS targets and expanding treatment access, the country’s gains now appear fragile. Experts insist that investing in prevention and engaging communities remain essential.

“This is the most productive age group, and it’s time we urgently addressed this,” Dr. Oluga stressed.

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Grace Githinji
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