1.4 Million People in Kenya Living With HIV
Susan Nakhumicha, the Health Cabinet Secretary, reports that 1.4 million individuals in Kenya are currently dealing with HIV, and 96 percent of this population is undergoing treatment.
In Meru, while marking World AIDS Day, Nakhumicha revealed that there are 7,869 children between the ages of 0 and 4 living with HIV.
“In the Social Health Authority, we have no limitations or exclusions. If a child is born with a congenital disease, the child will be covered under the SHC. We are committed to delivering Universal Health Coverage, and we are not leaving anyone behind,” she stated.
In reference to a National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) report, the Health Cabinet Secretary emphasized that there were 22,154 infections in the past year. Of this total, 4,474 cases were reported in children aged 0-14 years, 12,558 in women, and 5,122 in men.
The CS further pointed out that Kisumu has the highest HIV prevalence, with a population of 128,091 individuals living with the virus.
The distribution of HIV cases in various regions of Kenya is as follows:
- Nairobi: 124,609
- Homabay: 120,600
- Siaya: 96,297
- Migori: 76,053
- Nakuru: 57,635
- Mombasa: 50,656
- Kakamega: 48,733
- Kiambu: 45,917
- Kisii: 42,210
The report additionally indicates that in 2022, there were 18,473 deaths in Kenya attributed to AIDS-related causes.
Nakhumicha expressed appreciation for the vital role played by communities in tackling HIV/AIDS.
She commended the contributions of Community Health Promoters, acknowledging their invaluable efforts.
The Health Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of integrating HIV interventions into essential healthcare packages.
Governor Kawira Mwangaza of Meru expressed a commitment to supporting Community Health Workers, emphasizing collaborative efforts with the national government to improve their compensation.
The theme for this year, “Let Communities Lead,” highlighted the ongoing battle against HIV-related stigma while recognizing advancements in HIV/AIDS management.
The Health Cabinet Secretary also lauded the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), emphasizing its significant contributions to the HIV fight in Kenya. She extended appreciation to the people of America for their tax contributions, asserting that the progress achieved in Kenya’s HIV fight wouldn’t have been possible without their financial support.
“PEPFAR has been a great partner to this country,” said the CS.” I want to thank the people of America, hadn’t they paid their taxes we would not have achieved the gains that we have achieved in the management of HIV in this country,” added the CS.
The Health Cabinet Secretary has additionally praised individuals actively engaged in combating the stigma associated with HIV. She emphasized that educating people about HIV plays a crucial role in dismantling the barriers created by stigma.
