NAIROBI — The Ministry of Health has raised an alarm over the sharp rise in new HIV infections among young people, with 6,000 cases reported in those aged 15 to 24. Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, is now calling on county governments to immediately embed HIV prevention into their primary healthcare systems.
“We have issues of prevention that we want counties to now start integrating into their healthcare services,” Dr. Oluga said Tuesday during a public address in Nairobi.
Data shared by the Ministry of Health confirms that nearly 6,000 young people were newly infected with HIV in the past year. The highest concentration was recorded in urban centers and informal settlements, where access to health services remains limited.
Dr. Oluga described the trend as “deeply troubling” and stressed that young people continue to face challenges in accessing accurate information, protective resources, and regular screening.
To combat the surge, the Ministry has rolled out a county-level prevention framework that includes public health surveillance, targeted outreach programs, and the deployment of trained community health promoters. These efforts are meant to boost early detection, education, and treatment uptake, especially among adolescents and young adults.
“We are working to consolidate efforts and ensure our interventions are both sustainable and resilient going forward,” Dr. Oluga stated.
The Ministry’s strategy includes partnering with local leaders and public health units to strengthen awareness campaigns and reduce stigma around HIV testing and treatment.
Counties are expected to roll out these initiatives in clinics, schools, and youth centers by the end of the third quarter.
HIV remains a major public health challenge in Kenya, especially among adolescents who often lack consistent access to healthcare or sexual education. According to national health reports, gaps in prevention services and outreach have contributed to rising cases in both rural and urban regions.
As the country moves closer to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, Dr. Oluga urged counties to treat HIV prevention as a local health priority.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” he said. “We cannot afford to delay.”
The Ministry of Health is set to issue additional guidelines next month to support county governments in implementing HIV prevention within their primary care frameworks.
