Kenya has achieved an 83 percent reduction in new HIV infections over the past decade, from 101,560 in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the number of people living with HIV receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) treatment will almost double to 1,336,681 in 2023.

“Although AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 65 percent from 58,446 in 2013 to 20,480 in 2023, every life lost reminds us of the work still needed,” CS said.

Barasa said viral suppression is vital for those on antiretroviral treatment, and 97 percent of people living with HIV on treatment in Kenya have reached this milestone.

“Reducing the rate of mother-to-child transmission from 14 percent in 2013 to 7.3 percent in 2023 is a step forward, but our goal is to reach below five percent by 2025,” Barasa said. he said.

He spoke at the opening of the World AIDS Day 2024 Half Marathon in Nairobi on Wednesday.

CS said challenges remain in addressing HIV/AIDS, especially among children, adolescents and youth.

“Adolescents, especially girls, face a triple threat of HIV infection, early pregnancy and exposure to sexual and gender-based violence,” he said.

Barasa said that to end AIDS, everyone must come together, use collective power and complete this mission to the finish line.

“The Kenyan government has placed universal health coverage at the forefront of its agenda, and ending AIDS has become a top priority. “The President is committed to guiding efforts to ensure Kenya achieves this goal by 2027, three years ahead of the 2030 global target,” Barasa said.

CS said the HIV movement is an example of strong commitment and shared responsibility.

“To ensure the sustainability of universal health coverage, particularly for HIV care, we have realigned our health care model to strengthen national systems by addressing inequities and exclusions in our social health insurance program,” CS said.

“This model highlights preventive health care as an essential element and underscores our commitment to identifying and addressing gaps that will increase our collective resolve.”

Barasa called on all Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to be a part of this vital journey towards better health for all.

“This year’s World AIDS Day commemoration is a call focused on a single goal: to end AIDS and confront the risks associated with it – new HIV infections, unwanted pregnancies and gender-based violence, a mission we call ending the triple threat.” in question.

CS said that AIDS-related deaths remain an urgent problem, with an estimated 20,480 people lost in a single year, these figures are very high.

“Although HIV prevalence is lower in men (2.2%) compared to women (4.5%), approximately 4,205 men aged 45 and above succumbed to AIDS-related diseases in 2023,” he said.

Barasa said this year’s World AIDS Day celebrations will focus on promoting the health and well-being of men and boys.

“Approximately 487,710 men and boys are living with HIV in Kenya, and we will advocate for early diagnosis and treatment to reduce AIDS-related deaths in this demographic,” Barasa said.

She said men and boys often face barriers to accessing health care, which can negatively impact family and community health outcomes.

“As we approach this event, I urge everyone, regardless of age and background, to take part in the World AIDS Day Half Marathon in Nairobi on December 1,” he said.

“Whether you are running, supporting from the sidelines or volunteering, your participation is a contribution to a future filled with hope and resilience.”