By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Kenya has achieved remarkable advancements in the fight against HIV/AIDS, evidenced by a 68% reduction in AIDS-related fatalities, which decreased from 58,446 in 2013 to 18,473 in 2022.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the number of new HIV infections has fallen from 101,448 to 22,154 during this timeframe.
“Kenya has made significant progress in combating HIV/AIDS, with AIDS-related deaths dropping by 68%, from 58,446 in 2013 to 18,473 in 2022, and new HIV infections decreasing from 101,448 to 22,154 over the same period,” noted MOH.
Mr. Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, has emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive HIV sustainability operational plan to maintain the progress achieved.
Speaking during the inaugural meeting of the steering committee on 6th August 2024, the Principal Secretary emphasized the importance of collective effort, innovative thinking, and commitment from all stakeholders to continue progress beyond 2030.
“The steering committee aims to develop and implement this plan, ensuring Kenya remains on track in its fight against HIV/AIDS,” noted PS Kimtai.
Based on the Statistics by the Ministry of Health, Kenya has made notable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past decade, marked by significant reductions in both AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections.
Some of the contributing factors to this achievement includes; Increased Access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Prevention Programs, Mother-to-Child Transmission Prevention and Community-Based Interventions.
The Government of Kenya has also put up Initiatives that has enabled the achievement of this results.
The Initiatives includes; HIV Sustainability Operational Plan that aims to ensure continued progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS beyond 2030, Steering Committee that develops and implement the HIV Sustainability Operational Plan, involving stakeholders from various sectors to foster a collective effort and Funding and Support of HIV/AIDS programs.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya is committed to leveraging its achievements and advancing efforts to eradicate the HIV/AIDS epidemic.