The pursuit of zero HIV infections by 2027 is at risk as nine counties have observed a surge in HIV prevalence, according to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).
The council’s latest report has identified the counties most impacted by rising HIV infection rates, and the numbers are a cause for concern. Shockingly, Homa Bay has seen a rise of 15.2 per cent, while Siaya is experiencing a 13.2 per cent increase. Kisumu is burdened by a 14.5 per cent hike, followed by Migori at 9.7 per cent. Further South, Mombasa registers an increase of 4.6% with Kisii experiencing a 4.4 per cent bump. Samburu, Vihiga, and Uasin Gishu have noted increases of 4.3%, 4.2%, and 3.7%, respectively.
During a workshop in Machakos on November 5th, NSDCC Programme Officer Douglas Bosire expressed concern about the rise in HIV cases in certain areas, despite an overall decrease in new infections. He highlighted the role that hospital visits by family members play in spreading the virus. Mr. Bosire also pointed out that residents in arid and semi-arid lands (Asal) are more likely to stigmatize those with HIV than individuals in other areas. For instance, Homa Bay has a high HIV prevalence rate due to minimal stigmatization. In contrast, Garissa and Wajir counties have a significantly lower prevalence rate at only 0.1 per cent.
Research has unveiled that 41 per cent of the 17,680 new cases of HIV transpire among individuals aged 15 to 24. Mr Bosire highlights that diversification extends beyond demographics to various populations, such as sex workers, truck drivers, members of fishing communities, prisoners, and intravenous drug users. Remarkably, these specific groups face HIV prevalence rates that are much higher than the national average. As Kenya gears up for World AIDS Day, Mr Bosire says it is important to take note of the increasing HIV/AIDS infections among teens and young adults and how it could endanger the country’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.
However, Mr Bosire says that Kenya has made significant progress in reducing new HIV infections. There has been a significant decline of 78 per cent in the number of new HIV infections, with cases decreasing from 101,448 in 2013 to 22,154 in 2022.
Is anyone surprised here…
Is anyone surprised here with todays hookup culture and social dating scenarios? I’m not and this doesn’t surprise me at all. When having one night stands and multiple partners is acceptable, which seems to be the case in our society, how could this not happen. Here’s a couple little poems that can eliminate these sinful counties.Before you tickle,wrap the pickle.if there’s no glove,then no Love.
Stay faithful, use…
Stay faithful, use protection or abstain.
Pursuit of hedonism,and…
Pursuit of hedonism,and debauchery used to be for people with wealth,and low moral standards.Not anymore. The article says the ages between 15,and 24 are the most affected.What does that tell you?It tell me that @ Geoffrey Ngara is right on the money.
First of all ,this age group has all the knowledge of what to,and not to do, at their disposal. At the click of a mouse or a key on the cell phone, exposes one to a world of information.What you choose to do with the information is totally up to you.In simple terms what am saying is that one can get HIV/AIDS if they “chose” to…This is not like getting malaria from a mosquito bite.Each action,or step that leads to sex is pretty much decided upon,and consciously taken.Save for rape…
Finally, this is a societal problem caused by erosion morals,and mores.Freedom to test boundaries is bused,by both men and women,and children.In the name of modernization,time proven traditional values are mocked,and discarded as archaic,and replaced by popular culture that is rooted in me, me, me, me,and not us ,and we.Shameful thing is that we know what to do,but we choose not to do it.Why?Where are our social scientist to answer my questions?
This article would have been…
This article would have been received totally differently 40 years ago,-when to have AIDS was pretty much a death sentence.Fortunately these gens.Y,and Z of whom the article centers on, were not even born.They are living in an era where hardly people die from AIDS/HIV and related complications.Thanks to modern SCIENCE.I believe that this high ‘survival rate’,and availability of medication has given people a false sense of”security” from AIDS.They don’t see it as dangerous anymore.To them its just another one of those STDs…
On one hand stigmatization of people with Aids was a curse,and on the other hand it was a ‘blessing ‘in the sense that people were more cautious…Nonetheless, it is reckless to play with fire and expect not to get burned.
And please before you attack me note that there is nothing sanctimonious about my comments.We are all in this together.Iam just reminding people that self reflection is for us all. And prevention,or stopping the spread, starts with each and every one of us playing their part- responsibly. My two cents.
Stop fackin around and HIV…
Stop fackin around and HIV will be history!
Hakuna mahali ukimwi inaenda…
Hakuna mahali ukimwi inaenda watu wengine hudhani they are invincible and just pop a pill or more to control it. Zamani za kale, it seemed kila mtu alikua nayo or alikufa from related complications. Humans will be humans. Individuals must take responsibility for their own lives and protect themselves best they can