Karachuonyo: Leaders have called for renewed and coordinated efforts to protect children and adolescents from the ‘Triple Threat’ of HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The First Lady, Rachel Ruto, emphasized that young people continue to suffer from serious challenges they did not create, particularly those associated with the ‘Triple Threat.’
According to Kenya News Agency, the call was made during an advocacy and mentorship forum at Mawego Technical Training Institute in Karachuonyo Constituency. The event aimed to address the ‘Triple Threat’ of early pregnancy, HIV infection, and SGBV, while equipping young people with knowledge, mentorship, and support. The First Lady, serving as the Chief Guest, stated the importance of moving beyond warnings and actively listening to and supporting young people to protect children effectively.
Rachel Ruto highlighted the risks girls face, including sexual exploitation, abuse, teenage pregnancy, and HIV infection, especially when financial vulnerability makes them susceptible to exploitation. She stressed the need for adults who will listen, assure children that their dreams matter, and help them navigate difficult circumstances. ‘Sometimes our children do not need another warning but someone to walk with them,’ she stated.
The national campaign to end the ‘Triple Threat’ has expanded beyond Nairobi to counties such as Homa Bay, Samburu, West Pokot, and Uasin Gishu. Over 220 health facilities have joined the initiative, and more than 200 healthcare providers have been trained to offer adolescent-friendly services, with a national target to end the ‘Triple Threat’ by 2027. Rachel Ruto urged parents and guardians to create environments where children can discuss difficult issues without fear of judgment.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga noted that children are increasingly assuming adult responsibilities. She mentioned that some children care for sick parents living with HIV, while others become heads of households after parental loss. Wanga reported that her county had reduced teenage pregnancies from about 14,000 annually in 2022 to approximately 7,000, attributing this decline to interventions by County and National governments, communities, and other stakeholders.
The Governor also emphasized mentorship programs like the Governor’s Mentorship Camp, which connects professionals and community leaders to mentor girls and address challenges affecting them. ‘A mentored girl is empowered. A mentored child is strong. They are focused. They know where they are going,’ Wanga said.
The event gathered government officials, elected leaders, county officials, faith and community leaders, healthcare workers, partners, and learners. Dr. Andrew Mulwa, Head of the National HIV and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), reported significant progress in HIV testing and treatment but acknowledged ongoing challenges from new infections among young people.
National Syndemic Disease Control Council CEO Douglas Bosire stated that new HIV infections had decreased significantly, yet young people remain a substantial share of new infections. He highlighted that adolescents and young people aged 15-24 accounted for 41 per cent of new infections among those aged 15 and above, and those aged 15-34 accounted for 72 per cent. Bosire also noted that approximately 646 girls aged 10-19 were attending antenatal care clinics daily in Kenya in 2025.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga affirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to working with national and county governments to strengthen health services for women and children. He noted improvements in skilled birth attendance in Homa Bay.
The leaders concluded that while progress has been made in reducing HIV infections and teenage pregnancies, sustained community action, mentorship, access to adolescent-friendly services, and stronger protection systems are essential to safeguard children and help them reach their potential.
