A growing surge in HIV/AIDS cases within counties that had historically seen fewer instances has prompted experts to issue a pressing alarm.
Amid this concern, stakeholders are gathering in Mombasa for the three-day Maisha Conference, aimed at assessing the outcomes of HIV/AIDS interventions.
Dr. Ruth Laibon, CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), shed light on this escalating challenge during a pre-conference media briefing.
While substantial progress has been achieved in counties like Homa Bbay, Dr. Laibon noted emerging pockets of epidemics in unexpected regions such as Samburu, Mandera, and Garissa.
Though these case numbers remain limited, Dr. Laibon stressed the urgency of addressing them before they become unmanageable.
She emphasized the concerning disparity in anti-retroviral drug adherence rates between men and women, even though HIV prevalence is higher among women.
“Our focus must extend to men and boys to prevent HIV-related fatalities,” Dr. Laibon stated, advocating for early diagnosis and treatment access for males.
Dr. Ruth further highlighted the shifting demographics of HIV, asserting that the 10 to 35 age range, particularly among young adults and adolescents, poses significant challenges in terms of transmission and drug use.
Promoting comprehensive sex education, Dr. Laibon urged parents and caregivers to equip their children with vital information to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
She underscored the necessity of empowering adolescents with the knowledge needed to navigate the lifelong consequences of sexual activity.
Despite strides made in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, Dr. Laibon drew attention to the alarming fact that almost 4,000 children contracted HIV from their mothers in 2022, despite available science and medication.
Collaboration between HIV/AIDS expectant mothers, healthcare professionals, and communities was stressed to mitigate stigma and discrimination, facilitating better access to treatment.
Diagnosis for HIV and syphilis before pregnancy was recommended for both expecting mothers and fathers, as well as offering education to adolescents’ mothers to prevent their vulnerability to HIV.
Additionally, the conference spotlighted the elevated HIV and hepatitis risk among drug users who inject at the coast. Dr. Laibon highlighted the need for intervention and harm reduction strategies in such high-risk communities.
The triple threat campaign seeks commitments from stakeholders to tackle poverty, which, when unchecked, exacerbates vulnerabilities, particularly among girls, and compounds HIV challenges.
Reflecting on the progress made in the battle against HIV, Dorothy Onyango, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1990, stressed the importance of destigmatization through her organization, Women Fighting HIV in Kenya.
Prof. Ruth Nduati, an epidemiologist and pediatrician, offered historical context, recalling the difficulties of accessing antiretroviral (ARV) drugs during the early years of the HIV pandemic.
