First Lady Rachel Ruto has launched the second phase of a national campaign targeting HIV, teenage pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence, challenges collectively referred to as the “Triple Threat.”
The programme will now extend to Samburu, West Pokot, Homa Bay, and Uasin Gishu counties, building on gains from the first phase in Meru and Narok.
The initiative is led by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), where she serves on the steering committee.
“OAFLAD unites African First Ladies to champion issues that affect Women, Youth and Children,through partners, it has provided funding to implement targeted interventions which address these pressing concerns,” she said.
The First Lady noted that HIV prevalence continues to rise, with over 1.3 million Kenyans living with the virus, about 3 percent of the population.
“But what should trigger us into action is this; in 2024 alone, we recorded almost 20,000 new HIV infections; a staggering 19 percent increase from the previous year, this is a reversal of years of progress,” she said.
She urged leaders and stakeholders to come out and speak about the future of the children who are currently at a risk.
“Our adolescents are bearing the heaviest burden. Right now, over 80,000 young people between 10 and 19 years old are living with HIV, requiring lifelong treatment,” said the First Lady.
The programme’s second phase seeks to close gaps by accelerating existing interventions, strengthening health infrastructure, and leveraging the work of trained community health promoters.
“Today, I invite all of us, as we partner with the Ministry of Health, through NASCOP to implement this initiative in the four counties,” she said.
