Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa says Kenya has reduced new HIV infections by 83 per cent in 10 years.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Barasa revealed that the country recorded 16,752 new HIV infections in 2023 as compared to 101,560 in 2013.
The revelations come ahead of World AIDS Day, which is celebrated on December 1 every year, aimed at spreading awareness on the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV.
Barasa revealed that the number of people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy has nearly doubled to 1,336,681 in 2023.
“Over the past decade, Kenya has achieved an 83% reduction in new HIV infections, from 101,560 in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023. The number of people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy has nearly doubled to 1,336,681 in 2023. Although AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 65%, from 58,446 in 2013 to 20,480 in 2023, every life lost reminds us of the work still needed,” Barasa stated.
HIV targets
Barasa spoke during the launch of the World AIDS Day 2024 Half Marathon in Nairobi County, where she revealed that UNAIDS commends Kenya for making strides toward the 95-95-95 HIV targets.
The 95-95-95 HIV targets require member states to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95 per cent of people who know their status are receiving HIV treatment and 95 per cent of people on treatment are virally suppressed.
Kenya’s National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) has announced that World AIDS Day 2024 will be commemorated across all 47 counties, with a focus on promoting healthy masculinity and improving health outcomes for men and boys.
“The event will address the triple threat of new HIV infections, mistimed pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence among adolescents and young people,” NSDCC states.
