NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 10 – HIV prevalence in previously low-burden counties is on the rise with three sub-national units recording the highest increase among adolescents aged 10-19, a new report has shown.
The report published by National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) on Friday listed Samburu, Vihiga and Uasin Gishu among counties with the highest prevalence in a list featuring 10 counties.
“Samburu has increased its prevalence of HIV infection with a 4.3 percent prevalence, followed by Vihiga with 4.2 percent and Uasin Gishu with 3.7 percent,” the report indicated.
Key triggers of the rise in HIV prevalence in Samburu were listed as early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation practices.
The report listed Homa Bay county at the top with a prevalence rate of 15.2 per cent followed by Kisumu with 14.5 percent rate and Siaya (13.2 percent).
Additionally, the report noted low levels of HIV prevention knowledge among young people in Kenya.
According to the report, about 47.3 percent of young women aged 15-19 have knowledge about HIV prevention compared to 48.7 percent among young men in a similar age group.
“Knowledge of HIV prevention increases with education level and is lowest among those with no education 20.4 percent (women) and 24.1 percent (men) as compared to 74.6 percent (women) and 78.9 percent(men) with more than secondary education,” the report added.
The HIV mortality rate also increased to 22,373 in 2022 compared to 18,473 in 2021.
The report also indicated that the number of people living with HIV increased by 59,483 in the year 2022.
“People Living with HIV in 2021 stands at 1,377,784 while there is an increase in 2022 as the people living with HIV increased to 1,437,267,” stated the report.
NSDCC, however, reported a general increase in HIV prevalence in the country.
In 2022, national HIV prevalence stood at a rate of 4 per cent compared to 3.7 percent in 2021.
