Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has revealed that over 1.4 Kenyans are living with HIV, even as the world commemorates World AIDS Day.
Speaking on Friday, December 1, 2023, Nakhumicha said that out of the total people living with the virus in Kenya, 96 per cent are on treatment.
“In Kenya, we have over 1.4 million who are living with HIV. But the good story about it, is that out of this, close to 96 per cent, are on treatment,” Nakhumicha stated.
According to the United Nations, World AIDS Day is aimed to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
Number of people living with HIV globally
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 39 million people were living with the virus at the end of 2022.
Speaking during the World AIDS Day celebration in Meru, Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina expressed optimism that the world can defeat the epidemic.
“It is a day to remember those we have lost, to honour the resilience of those living with the virus and to renew our commitment to ending the devastating pandemic. HIV/AIDS has been a relentless adversary, affecting millions of lives worldwide. It has taken away our loved ones, shuttered families and left communities in despair, but amid the darkness, there is hope,” ole Kina said.
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza called on Kenyans to embrace love and compassion and treat everyone equally regardless of their status.
“I call upon everyone to embrace compassion and love and offer equal treatment to everyone, regardless of one’s HIV status. As a county, we are committed to fostering the government’s commitment to end HIV infection in children by 2027,” Mwangaza said.
