Kenya launches ambitious plan to eliminate HIV/AIDS in children by 2027

KENYA — Kenya has unveiled a bold initiative aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS among children by 2027. Despite commendable progress in combating the disease, child infections remain a concern, particularly mother-to-child transmission rates at 8.6 percent.

The Ministry of Health recently introduced the Kenya Plan to End AIDS in Children by 2027, featuring a four-pronged strategy targeting pediatric AIDS elimination, including the cessation of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis.

In a significant development, the Ministry of Health in Kenya has initiated a concerted effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS among children by the year 2027.

Despite the country’s commendable progress in combatting the disease, child infections continue to be a concern, with mother-to-child transmission rates lingering at 8.6 percent.

Although treatment coverage for children living with HIV currently stands at 85 percent, only about 74 percent of them have achieved viral suppression.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health officially launched the Kenya Plan to End AIDS in Children by 2027.

This comprehensive four-point action plan is designed to eradicate AIDS in children by 2027, with a primary focus on ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis.

The launch event, which took place in Homa Bay County, was presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and Governor Gladys Wanga.

Additionally, representatives from prominent organizations such as UNAIDS, Unicef, the World Health Organization, and the Global Fund were in attendance.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha expressed her concerns about the current performance indicators, stating, “This performance is concerning as adults are near the 95 percent mark for the same indicators. Children have been left behind and their voice remains unheard.”

She went on to outline the government’s proactive approach, emphasizing, “Within the next three years, Kenya will implement 4-point actions to bridge the gaps and fast-track the progress of ending pediatric AIDS.”

Nakhumicha highlighted the primary areas of focus, stating that the strategy will emphasize strengthening, leveraging, and accelerating a multi-sector approach to tackle the triple threat of new HIV infections, pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence faced by youth.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health plans to advocate for the inclusion of benefits for vulnerable households of children and women living with HIV within socio-protection, nutritional support, and social health insurance frameworks.

Nakhumicha concluded by underlining the significance of community-led peer-to-peer models, including mentor mothers and a robust network of Community Health Promoters, as key components of the strategy.

She noted that through strategic partnerships and collaboration, Kenya has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, achieving a 57 percent reduction in new HIV infections and a 68 percent decrease in AIDS-related deaths over the past decade.

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