Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has termed as worrying the number of new HIV infections being reported among adolescents and young people.

Kenya recently committed to the Global Alliance to end AIDS among children and adolescents, with the Health ministry setting it as a priority agenda.

Nakhumicha says while the annual AIDS-related deaths have declined by 58%, the number of people living with HIV receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment has increased five-fold.

“However, the number of new infections among adolescents and young people is a worrying trend," she remarked when she hosted UNAIDS Executive Secretary Winnie Byanyima.  

The CS says with declining external funding for HIV response, there is need for sustainable financing solutions to manage the large cohort of over one million people living with HIV on treatment.

"Kenya is exploring solutions such as local manufacturing of essential commodities, Universal Health Coverage, and digitalization of health services to address financing gaps and bring health closer to the people.”