Meru records 635 new HIV infections every year, says PS

Health PS Susan Mochache and Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

About 635 persons are getting infected with HIV every year in Meru County. 

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health Susan Mochache made the revelation during a community sensitisation forum on the Triple Threat - teenage pregnancies, HIV and gender-based violence - at Kaaga Primary school in Meru on Thursday.

Mochache said the figure was a drop from 1,500 infections recorded in 2016.

However, she said the number of people under ARVs had increased from 15,000 to 20,700 people, which was a huge burden on the government. 

"Meru has reduced the rate of infections but the number on ARVs has increased, which means we still have a challenge to the government," said Mochache who was hosted by Governor Kiraitu Murungi.

The PS revealed that the HIV/Aids mortality rate had reduced in the last few years, as a result of putting more people under treatment.

At the same time, Mochache said Meru was leading in terms of teenage pregnancies. 

"Between January and May this year almost 15,000 children got pregnant."