Kenya has significantly reduced new HIV infections by 83% over the past decade, cutting cases from 101,560 in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa. She highlighted that the number of Kenyans on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has surged, reaching 1.34 million this year. AIDS-related deaths have also seen a notable decline, dropping by 65% since 2013.
CS Barasa emphasized Kenya’s commitment to viral suppression, noting that 97% of those on ART have reached this benchmark. Efforts to curb mother-to-child transmission have also shown progress, dropping from 14% in 2013 to 7.3% in 2023, with a goal of under 5% by 2025.
At the launch of the World AIDS Day 2024 Half Marathon in Nairobi, Barasa underscored that ending AIDS remains a priority, especially in tackling challenges faced by adolescents, including the “triple threat” of HIV, early pregnancies, and gender-based violence. She called on all Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to support universal health coverage and the fight against AIDS.
Kenya aims to end AIDS by 2027, three years before the global target, with the government restructuring healthcare to address social inequalities and bolster HIV prevention. This year’s World AIDS Day will focus on the health needs of men and boys, as approximately 487,710 males live with HIV in Kenya. The event will promote early diagnosis, treatment, and encourage public participation to support a future free from AIDS.
