Kapenguria: In a decisive effort to address some of Kenya’s most persistent social challenges, the West Pokot County Government, through the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), has launched a coordinated drive to end teenage pregnancies, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and new HIV infections.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative by the First Lady, Rachel Ruto, under the Voice of Children Project, is themed: ‘Keeping Dreams Alive: Ending Teenage Pregnancies, HIV, and GBV.’ The stakeholders’ meeting convened this week at the County Commissioner’s boardroom in Kapenguria Town brought together health practitioners with the capacity to offer Adolescent and Young People (AYP) friendly services within their health centers. The stakeholders deliberated on a joint work plan to combat the so-called ‘Triple Threats.’
The forum emphasized a renewed urgency to strengthen collaboration, accelerate targeted interventions, and align policies that safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly young people. Speaking during the meeting, Nelly Achokor, the County AIDS and STI Coordinator, called for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy to tackle the threat, noting that the three issues are interlinked and continue to hinder both health and socio-economic development.
Achokor cited the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, highlighting that teenage pregnancy in Kenya stands at 15%, with Samburu (50%), West Pokot (51%), Marsabit (28%), and Meru (24%) among the most affected counties. She emphasized that teenage pregnancy, new HIV infections, and GBV collectively threaten the future of young people. Achokor also noted that healthcare workers’ training is ongoing to integrate mental health services into HIV care, reduce stigma, and strengthen GBV response mechanisms.
Mburu Muiyuro, the Planning Officer for Health Quality Improvement at NASCOP, reiterated that his visit aimed to sensitize healthcare workers on improving service delivery for adolescents and young people. He pointed out that West Pokot is among the counties with high rates of new HIV infections among adolescents and young people. Through the training, health workers are expected to raise awareness, promote mental health, and encourage early testing and treatment.
Elvis Wekesa, a nurse from Serewo Health Centre, lauded the training for equipping him with new skills in HIV prevention, GBV response, and teenage pregnancy management. He noted the crucial role nurses play in community education and fighting stigma, affirming that the training would support national efforts to end HIV and tackle the triple threats.
Another participant, Sarah Ripis, emphasized the importance of nurses in HIV prevention through risk assessment, counseling on safe behaviors, and promoting testing. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and First Lady Rachel Ruto for the initiative, which she believes will enhance service delivery and patient care.
