First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto in Homa Bay County has said the Government is committed in eradicating Triple Threat (HIV, adolescent pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence) by 2027.
Speaking Wednesday in Homa Bay during a mentorship and advocacy engagement with adolescents and young people, the First Lady called upon parents, health workers, chiefs, religious leaders and community leaders to create safe spaces and put up resources to make youth-friendly services accessible.
So far, she said that more than 220 health facilities across the four counties have joined the initiative, and more than 200 healthcare providers had been trained to provide adolescent friendly services.
“This is why the fight against the Triple Threat — HIV, adolescent pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence — must be treated with the urgency it deserves. This is now a national priority, because our ambition must be clear: to end the Triple Threat by 2027,” said Rachel Ruto.
According to the NSDCC data, Homa Bay carries one of the highest HIV burdens in the country, with prevalence estimated at 11.6%, with adolescent pregnancy posing a serious challenge.
The First Lady said through collective action and unwavering commitment, the government aims at offering confidence, support and opportunity to the young to reach the future they deserve.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ending new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence among adolescents and young people.
The PS said the three interconnected challenges threaten the health, education, safety and future of young people and require coordinated action as part of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
Adolescents account for about 24pc of Kenya’s population, while 59pc of Kenyans are below the age of 24. In Homa Bay County, approximately 65 per cent of the population is aged 24 and below, underscoring the need for stronger adolescent-responsive health and protection services.
Dr Oluga said the Government is scaling up prevention and early intervention through Primary Health Care. Community Health Promoters are helping to identify vulnerable adolescents and link them to HIV prevention and testing, sexual and reproductive health services, maternal care and support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
He also highlighted the role of the Social Health Authority in reducing financial barriers to essential maternal health services, particularly for pregnant adolescents.
The PS called for stronger collaboration among healthcare providers, schools, families, communities and government agencies to keep children in school, prevent violence and exploitation, provide accurate health information and ensure vulnerable adolescents receive timely care and protection.
