HIV prevalence in Kenya stands at 3.3 per cent, with significant geographic disparities. The NSDCC report identifies a stark regional variation in HIV prevalence, with the highest burdens concentrated in counties within the Nyanza, Western, and Rift Valley regions.
Kisumu County has the highest prevalence at 11.7 per cent, followed by Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, and Busia. Wajir County, on the other hand, has the lowest prevalence at 0.1 per cent. Other counties bearing the highest prevalence, include Nairobi, Kisii, Kakamega, Busia, Nyamira, and Trans Nzoia.
On the other hand, counties in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya, such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Turkana, and Marsabit, have significantly lower HIV prevalence rates, often below one per cent.
Boys and men
Young people aged 15 to 24 account for a significant proportion of new infections, with boys and men aged 15 to 45 particularly affected.
One of the most significant findings from the 2024 report is the gender disparity in the impact of HIV in Kenya.
Women constitute 58 per cent of all people living with HIV and, hence, are disproportionately affected by the epidemic.
Women are also more likely to experience HIV-related deaths, with 65 per cent of all HIV-related deaths in Kenya occurring among women, compared to 35 per cent among men.
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This disparity is attributed to a number of socio-economic factors, including gender inequality, high rates of gender-based violence, limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, and socio-cultural barriers to seeking treatment and prevention.
Young women, in particular, are at a higher risk, with HIV prevalence rates among females aged 15-24 years being substantially higher than in their male counterparts.
Factors such as limited education, early marriages, and power imbalances in relationships contribute to their increased vulnerability to HIV infection.
To address these disparities, the NSDCC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, has organised a marathon to mark World AIDS Day today, December 1, 2024.
Themed "It Is a Race Against Time: Promoting Health and Wellbeing of Men and Boys," the event will take place at Nyayo Stadium. It aims to engage men and boys in championing HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and viral suppression.
"Men and boys are disproportionately affected by HIV-related deaths. By empowering them to take charge of their health, we can close the gaps in testing, treatment, and prevention," Kinoti said.
Health threat
The council aims to meet the global 2030 target of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat.
"As a country, we must join hands to stop new infections and ensure that all people living with HIV adhere to treatment. Ending AIDS-related deaths is achievable, but only if everyone plays their part," Kinoti concluded.
The economic burden of HIV on Kenya is immense, both in terms of healthcare costs and lost productivity. The NSDCC report estimates that the annual healthcare costs for HIV-related care amount to approximately Sh87 billion.
Furthermore, the economic impact of HIV-related absenteeism and reduced productivity is estimated to be around 3.1 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The government spends about Sh45 billion annually on antiretroviral (ARV) treatments, which remain essential for the survival of millions of Kenyans living with HIV.
The high costs associated with treatment are vexed by economic inequalities, which make it more difficult for marginalised populations to access healthcare services.
Although the government has made strides in providing universal access to testing and treatment, issues such as treatment interruptions and the high cost of new preventive drugs like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) continue to pose significant barriers.
Efforts to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth have posted positive results, with transmission rates declining steadily over the past decade.
Safe sex
Community-based prevention programmes, including condom distribution, HIV testing campaigns, and education on safe sexual practices, have helped reduce new infections, particularly among high-risk populations.
However, with the looming scale-down in donor funding for HIV prevention and management programmes, and a meltdown in the public health sector, fears of more infections and possible deaths from the disease are too real to ignore.
In the recent budgetary allocations, the Ministry of Health has been scaling down on allocations.
This, coupled with the incautious and grouchy transition from the old National Health Insurance Fund to the new health scheme (Social Health Authority) that has seen disruptions in the delivery of health services, are some of the issues that could impact the fight against HIV.