In Nairobi’s Mathare area, more than 2,000 individuals living with HIV have received a renewed promise of assistance with the reopening of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) clinic.
The Mathare clinic, a crucial center for swift HIV testing, is dedicated to ensuring timely awareness of one’s HIV status and providing essential services to patients.
During the clinic’s reopening ceremony, Mr. Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Medical Services, commended AHF’s collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health in addressing challenges posed by the virus.
He expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit shown by AHF and other like-minded organizations and emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to combating HIV.
He also noted the establishment of a legal framework to support healthcare investment from donors and the private sector.
The event served as a celebration of AHF’s 15 years of providing HIV prevention and care services in Kenya.
This milestone comes shortly after the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) revealed that Kenya currently ranks 7th globally in HIV burden.
New HIV infections among children, adolescents, and young people have reached an estimated 62 infections per week among those aged 10-19, with counties like Kisumu, Nairobi, and others being the most affected.
Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, Country Director AHF Kenya, stressed the urgency of addressing rising HIV infections, particularly in regions with historically lower burdens and among the youth.
He highlighted positive outcomes from collaborative initiatives, noting that 89% of those in need achieved viral suppression.
The AHF Food for Health Programme, tailored to tackle food insecurity among vulnerable communities, aims to enhance HIV treatment uptake by addressing nutritional needs.
Nominated senator for women affairs, Catherine Mumma, advocated for open conversations on sex and sex education, especially targeting teenagers, as a strategic approach to curbing the surge in HIV infections among this demographic.
Ferdinand Omanyala, AHF’s youth ambassador and Africa’s 100m record holder, attended the forum, urging youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
In the face of two HIV-related deaths every hour in Kenya, Omanyala encouraged the use of condoms, emphasizing that it’s not just protection but empowerment.
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