HIV IN KENYA

 

HIV in Kenya: Progress Made, but Challenges Remain

Big Drop in HIV Rates, But More Work Needed

In 2003, Kenya had an HIV rate of 83%.

Today, that number has dropped to 7.3%, a big improvement.

However, it’s still above the national target of 5%, which is needed to stop the spread of HIV from mothers to their babies.

Women Face More HIV Risk

According to health expert Masho:

HIV affects more women than men.

This is due to:

Poor access to healthcare.

Economic struggles.

Social and cultural pressures.

Many women, especially pregnant ones, don’t get regular HIV tests.

Health centers often can’t help because they lack staff, supplies, and money.

Local Clinics Are Trying to Help

Some clinics, like:

Lwakhakha Dispensary

Kopsiro Health Centre

Makutano Health Centre

...are working hard to stop mother-to-child transmission. But they face problems like:

Not enough health workers.

Shortage of medicine and equipment.

Less money from foreign donors.

Funding Cuts Are Making Things Worse

A recent U.S. government order has made it harder for HIV programs in Kenya to get funds.

Services for women and girls have been hit the hardest.

Masho warns:

> “We’ve lost critical momentum… we could lose the progress we’ve made over the years.”

New National Plan to Help Women

The National Council for Population and Development (NCDCC) is leading a new plan to fight HIV with a three-tier gender-sensitive strategy.

Goals include:

Focus on women and girls' health.

Raise local funding so the country doesn’t rely too much on foreign aid.

Make sure HIV services continue, even if international support drops.

🔗 Source:

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