Nine Counties in Kenya Facing Surge in HIV Prevalence, Threatening Zero Infections Goal
November 5, 2022
In a recent report, the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) has identified nine counties in Kenya that are experiencing a surge in HIV prevalence, posing a threat to the country’s goal of attaining zero infections by 2027. The most affected counties, according to the data, are Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Kisii, Mombasa, Samburu, Vihiga, and Uasin Gishu.
The report reveals that Homa Bay has seen a staggering 15.2% increase in new HIV cases, while Siaya is experiencing a significant 13.2% rise. Kisumu and Migori are facing worrisome increases of 14.5% and 9.7% respectively. Mombasa and Kisii have also recorded increases of 4.6% and 4.4% respectively. Other affected counties include Samburu with a 4.3% increase, Vihiga with 4.2%, and Uasin Gishu with 3.7%.
Speaking at a workshop in Machakos, NSDCC Programme Officer Douglas Bosire highlighted the alarming increase in HIV cases despite a significant reduction in new infections. He attributed the rise in Nyanza to the culture of non-circumcision and in the arid and semi-arid lands (Asals) to the practice where permission from the male household head is required for family members to visit hospitals. Bosire emphasized that stigmatization is more pronounced in Asal areas, leading to a higher prevalence of HIV.
Homa Bay County, for instance, grappling with a substantial HIV prevalence rate of 15.2%, has low levels of stigmatization. In contrast, Garissa and Wajir counties report significantly lower prevalence rates of just 0.1%. Bosire stated that people in Homa Bay do not hesitate to undergo HIV testing, contributing to a five percent reduction in new infections. However, in Asal regions, cultural barriers and stigmatization remain significant challenges.
The statistics show that out of the 17,680 new HIV infections among adults, 41% are aged between 25 and 34. Bosire highlighted the diversity of the epidemic among various populations, including sex workers, truck drivers, men who have sex with men, members of fishing communities, prisoners, and users of intravenous drugs. Shockingly, these specific groups face much higher HIV prevalence rates than the national average.
As Kenya prepares to celebrate World AIDS Day, Bosire warns that the country’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS may be jeopardized unless the increasing rates of new infections among adolescents and young adults are brought under control. However, Bosire also noted that Kenya has made significant progress in reducing new HIV infections over the past decade, with a remarkable 78% decrease from 101,448 cases in 2013 to 22,154 in 2022.
While the surge in HIV prevalence in the nine counties is concerning, it is hoped that this recent data will drive targeted interventions and efforts to address the underlying factors contributing to the increase in infections. Awareness, education, and access to prevention and treatment services will be crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenya.