NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 2 – The Health Cabinet Secretary, Susan Nakhumicha Wafula has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to ending HIV and AIDS infection amongst children.
Speaking on Wednesday during the global alliance to end Aids in children held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Nakhumicha said that Kenya is committed to be on the forefront in ending HIV and AIDS amongst children by 2030.
She stated that the Kenyan government is driven to use digital technology to ensure access to treatment and care to all pregnant and breastfeeding women, providing access to universal testing and treatment for all children and adolescents living with HIV.
‘’Kenyan government is driven to use digital technology in providing access to universal testing and treatment for all children and adolescents living with HIV,’’ she said.
In addition, Nakhumicha said that ring fencing budgets for ending AIDS among children and monitoring progress of the same will help in reducing stigma.
According to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) the number of children living with HIV in Kenya fell from 180,000 in 2010 to 111,500 in 2020, partly due to improved access to services, including for more pregnant women.
However, infection rates among young people (15-24) remain concerning. In 2020, they accounted for 35 per cent of new infections, with two thirds of cases among young women.
In Homa Bay, one of the worst – affected counties, gender inequality, difficulties in access services and poverty are fueling high rates of unintended pregnancies and HIV.
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