The focus of this year’s World AIDS Day in Kajiado North Sub-County was on the vulnerability of adolescents and youth, despite the county’s overall HIV prevalence rate remaining significantly lower than the national figure.
Speaking at the Ngong Stadium during the commemoration of World AIDS Day, Kajiado County Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho called for urgent action and guidance for young people, noting that they represent the most susceptible group for new infections.
He highlighted a positive trend in the county’s fight against the epidemic, stating that the prevalence rate has been decreasing, reportedly dropping from a previous high of 3.1 per cent to 2.3 per cent. However, official county statistics from bodies like the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) historically place the rate near 3.9 to 4.4 per cent, still a commendable figure compared to the national data.
Moshisho also emphasized the crucial need for residents to shun the stigmatisation of those affected, asserting that moral support is essential for people living with HIV to seek and maintain treatment.
Sylvia Ochola, the Assistant County Commissioner for Kajiado North, who represented the Deputy County Commissioner, stressed that young people in Kajiado still face high risks, echoing national concerns where up to 41 per cent of new HIV infections in Kenya occur among the 15-24 age bracket.
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Ochola underscored that fear driven by stigma prevents many adolescents from accessing vital services, urging the community to ensure youth have accurate information, rather than myths, to win the fight against HIV.
Ngong Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Mbiriri Mwaura stressed the necessity of both prevention and financial support for persons living with HIV. Mwaura revealed that the County Assembly had passed a Ksh10 million budget aimed at training health service providers to continue offering high-quality HIV care. He also advocated for the allocation of more resources to subsidise essential drugs, ensuring continued treatment adherence.
Mwaura also proposed engaging youths in sports, training, and community programmes as a practical way to reduce their risk and vulnerability to not only HIV but also other associated challenges, such as sexually transmitted diseases, drug abuse, and teenage pregnancy, which remain prevalent in the county.
By Masaki Enock
