This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
On World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2019, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta emphasized the need for closer partnerships to achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2030.
Speaking at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, the First Lady noted that despite progress made in tackling HIV/AIDS, many people continue to face challenges in accessing healthcare services, which are key to eliminating the disease.
She commended community workers for their tireless efforts in combating the disease, saying efforts to eliminate the virus are central to government's drive towards Universal Health Coverage.
First Lady Kenyatta also acknowledged the role played by civil society and faith-based organizations in complementing governments' efforts to provide quality healthcare.
She expressed her regrets that many expectant mothers continue to miss their pre-natal visits and even fail to have skilled deliveries, thereby exposing them to infection.
She said despite progress made in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, the country is faced with new challenges of new HIV infections among adolescents and young women.
Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki commended the First Lady for her Beyond Zero initiative, which has had a major impact on reducing mother-to-child HIV infection.
She called on stakeholders to capitalize on the gains made to completely eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission of the virus.
Kisii Governor James Ongwae noted that the county administration allocates about 50% of its resources to the health sector, a move which has greatly helped in reducing HIV/AIDS transmission.
He said the HIV prevalence index in the county has declined from 8% in 2013 to 4.4% currently, with deaths related to HIV coming down to 628 from 1200 annually.
