Health CS Debora Barasa officially launches the World AIDS Day 2024 Half Marathon in Nairobi (Photo: Ministry of Health)
Kenya has recorded a remarkable achievement in its fight against HIV/AIDS, with new infections plummeting by 83 per cent over the past decade, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health during World AIDS Day 2024 celebrations.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa announced that new HIV infections have dropped significantly from 101,560 cases in 2013 to 16,752 cases in 2023, marking one of the most successful HIV prevention programmes in sub-Saharan Africa.
“This achievement represents a turning point in Kenya’s battle against HIV/AIDS,” said Barasa during the celebrations. “Through concentrated efforts and strategic interventions, we have managed to drastically reduce the burden of new infections in our communities.”
The substantial decline is attributed to a comprehensive approach that combines increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), robust prevention strategies, and sustained community engagement in fighting the epidemic.
The Kenyan government has significantly expanded its HIV treatment programme, ensuring that more people living with HIV have access to life-saving antiretroviral medications. This expansion has not only improved the health outcomes of those affected but has also reduced the likelihood of transmission to others.
Community health worker Mary Njeri, who has been involved in HIV prevention programmes for the past 15 years, highlighted the importance of grassroots efforts in achieving these results. “We have seen a complete transformation in how communities view and respond to HIV. The stigma has reduced significantly, and more people are willing to get tested and seek treatment,” she explained.
Prevention strategies have played a crucial role in this success story. The government has implemented various initiatives, including widespread condom distribution, comprehensive sexual education programmes, and targeted interventions for high-risk populations. These measures have contributed significantly to the reduced infection rates across the country.
However, despite the impressive progress, challenges remain, particularly among young people. According to the National Syndemic Disease Control Council, adolescents and young adults continue to account for a disproportionate number of new infections, indicating a need for targeted interventions for this demographic.
Dr James Kimani, an HIV specialist at a leading Nairobi hospital, emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum. “While we celebrate this achievement, we must not become complacent. The fight against HIV/AIDS requires sustained effort and continuous adaptation of our strategies to address emerging challenges,” he said.
The success has drawn international attention, with the United Nations AIDS Programme (UNAIDS) recognising Kenya’s efforts as a model for other countries in the region. The achievement is particularly noteworthy given the complex socio-economic challenges that often complicate HIV prevention and treatment efforts in developing nations.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health has outlined plans to further strengthen HIV prevention and treatment programmes. These include increasing investment in youth-focused interventions, expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and strengthening community health systems.
“Our goal is to continue this downward trend in new infections while ensuring that those living with HIV receive the highest quality of care,” Cabinet Secretary Barasa added. “We are committed to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2025.”
The 95-95-95 targets aim to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Kenya’s achievement demonstrates that with political commitment, community engagement, and comprehensive healthcare strategies, significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS is possible. As the country moves forward, the focus will be on sustaining these gains while addressing remaining challenges to ultimately achieve the goal of an AIDS-free generation.
