Nairobi: Kenya has achieved a remarkable 83% reduction in new HIV infections over the past decade, decreasing from 101,560 cases in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023. Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa announced these achievements during the launch of the World AIDS Day 2024 Half Marathon in Nairobi.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Barasa highlighted the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, noting that the number of people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Kenya has nearly doubled to 1,336,681 in 2023. She also reported a significant drop in AIDS-related deaths by 65%, from 58,446 in 2013 to 20,480 in 2023. Despite these advances, Dr. Barasa emphasized the ongoing need for vigilance and efforts to combat the epidemic, pointing out that every life lost is a reminder of the work still needed.
Dr. Barasa stressed the importance of achieving viral suppression for those on antiretroviral therapy, stating that 97% of individuals living with HIV in Kenya have reached this milestone. She also n
oted the progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission rates from 14% in 2013 to 7.3% in 2023, with a target to reach less than 5% by 2025. However, she acknowledged the challenges in addressing HIV/AIDS among children, adolescents, and young people, highlighting issues such as early pregnancies and exposure to sexual and gender-based violence, particularly among adolescent girls.
The Kenyan government’s commitment to universal health coverage, with ending AIDS as a top priority, was underscored by Dr. Barasa. She mentioned the president’s dedication to achieving this goal by 2027, ahead of the 2030 global target. The reformed healthcare model aims to strengthen national systems, address inequalities, and emphasize preventive healthcare to sustain universal health coverage, especially for HIV care.
Dr. Barasa urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority to support the journey towards better health for all. This year’s World AIDS Day commemoration focuses on ending AIDS and confronting asso
ciated risks, such as new HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence – a mission referred to as ending the triple threat. Despite lower HIV prevalence among men compared to women, with approximately 4,205 men aged 45 and older succumbing to AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, the focus is on promoting the health and well-being of men and boys.
With approximately 487,710 men and boys living with HIV in Kenya, Dr. Barasa called for early diagnosis and treatment to reduce AIDS-related deaths in this demographic. She acknowledged the barriers men and boys face in accessing health services and their impact on family and community health outcomes. As the World AIDS Day Half Marathon approaches on December 1st in Nairobi, Dr. Barasa encouraged participation in any form, emphasizing its contribution to a future of hope and resilience.
