Kitui County marked the 36th annual World AIDS Day at Kauwi Primary School in Kitui West District with the theme “Promoting the Health and Well-Being of Men and Boys.” The event, organized by the Kitui County Health and Sanitation Ministry in collaboration with multiple local and international partners, highlighted notable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Representing the Kitui County Health and Sanitation Minister Ruth Koki Mwanzia, Chief Officer Dr. Lynne Kitwai reported a significant drop in the county’s HIV prevalence rate, from 3.2% in 2023 to 2.6% in 2024. This figure is below Kenya’s national average of 3.7%. “This reduction is evidence of the efforts by the county ministry and our partners in combating the HIV epidemic,” Dr. Kitwai stated.
Dr. Kitwai shared data from the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC), noting that Kitui County ranks 15th among Kenya’s 47 counties, with an estimated 27,598 people living with HIV in 2023. Of these, 1,686 were children aged 0-14, and 29.3% were males. Alarmingly, adolescents and young people aged 15-24 contribute to 41% of the county’s adult new infections, with two new cases occurring weekly in this age group.
Gender and Regional Disparities
Dr. Kitwai revealed a disproportionate impact of HIV on women in the county, with prevalence rates of 3.8% among females compared to 1.4% among males. Neighboring counties reported prevalence rates of 2% (Machakos and Makueni), 2.1% (Taita Taveta), and 8% (Tharaka Nithi).
Challenges in HIV Response
The county faces challenges such as stigma, socio-cultural barriers, and low condom usage, especially among women, whose usage rate stands at 12% compared to 73% among men. Teenage pregnancies account for 22% of all pregnancies presenting in Kitui health facilities, further complicating the fight against HIV.
Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) remains a concern, with Kitui County recording a 13.5% rate—far above the 5% target. Mwingi North and Kitui Central constituencies are particularly affected, with MTCT rates of 20.5% and 16.1%, respectively.
National and Global Perspective
Globally, 39 million people were living with HIV in 2023, with 1.3 million new infections reported. Kenya ranks seventh in Africa, with 1.4 million people living with HIV. Nationally, 46 new HIV infections occur daily, including 97 weekly among adolescents and young people aged 15-24.
The event’s speakers emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to combat HIV/AIDS. “Let us work together to address the challenges of stigma, low condom usage, and gaps in HIV prevention knowledge,” urged Kitui County Governor’s Office Special Programmes Director, Redemptor Mary Matiti.
Dr. Grace Mutua, the Governor’s Advisor on Climate Resilience, Mitigation, and Preparedness, also called for intensified efforts to integrate HIV services with broader health initiatives in the county.
As Kenya works towards eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, Kitui County’s progress serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the collective effort needed to achieve this goal.
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