This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 8, 2019, the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomed Dr. Medhin Tsehaiu as its new Country Director for Kenya. In a courtesy call at State House Nairobi, Dr. Tsehaiu commended First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for her significant contributions to reducing new HIV infections, particularly mother-to-child transmission of the virus through the Beyond Zero Initiative.
Dr. Tsehaiu expressed gratitude for the First Lady's leadership and commitment to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. He updated her on UNAIDS' ambitious plans to ensure that by 2020, 90 percent of people living with HIV in Kenya know their status, are on antiretroviral therapy, and have their viral loads suppressed.
Dr. Tsehaiu noted that Kenya is making good progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS and urged innovative approaches to appeal to the youth, a high-risk population. He emphasized the need for a different approach as the country approaches the final stages of the fight.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta assured Dr. Tsehaiu of her firm commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. She highlighted the successes achieved in recent years, including a significant reduction in infections among adults, and emphasized the need to sustain these gains.
