Kirinyaga: Kirinyaga County has registered a remarkable decline in new HIV infections, positioning itself among the best-performing counties in Kenya in the management of the epidemic. This achievement was highlighted during the World AIDS Day (WAD) commemoration held at Kirinyaga University, where health officials, community leaders, students, and partners came together to reflect on progress, advocate for prevention, and call for continued vigilance in the fight against HIV.

According to Kenya News Agency, statistics presented during the event revealed that only 91 new HIV cases had been recorded in the county this year, a dramatic reduction from 779 cases reported in 2013, shortly after the devolution of health services to county governments. The significant decline underscores the success of interventions aimed at improving awareness, increasing access to testing, and ensuring timely initiation of managing the scourge.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Medical Services and Sanitation, George Karoki, said the progress is a result of deliberate and sustained efforts by the county government, in collaboration with partners, to prioritize HIV prevention, treatment, and care. He noted that while the improvement is commendable, the ultimate goal is to achieve zero new infections.

Karoki explained that the county has made substantial investments in both technology and human resources. Digitized diagnostic equipment has been deployed to enhance testing accuracy and speed, while community health promoters (CHPs) have been trained and deployed to ensure that preventive messages reach even the most remote parts of the county.

The county has also achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, a global benchmark for HIV control. This means that 95% of residents know their HIV status, 95% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.

Currently, approximately 13,000 people are living with HIV in Kirinyaga County, with nearly all enrolled in treatment programs, including 447 children under 14 years. Among those receiving treatment, 97% have achieved viral suppression, which not only improves their health outcomes but also significantly reduces the likelihood of transmission.

Despite these gains, Karoki warned that young people remain disproportionately affected. Adolescents and young adults aged 14 to 24 accounted for 41% of new infections this year. He stressed the importance of sustaining and expanding the current gains, aiming to eliminate the triple threat of HIV, sexual and gender-based violence, and teenage pregnancies by 2030.

Joseph Kanyi, the County HIV/STI Programme Coordinator, underscored the urgency of focusing interventions on adolescents and young adults, who are at the crossroads of multiple vulnerabilities. He further highlighted that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains a major driver of new infections.

Millicent Nyawira, the County Executive Committee Member for Gender and Youth, addressed the role of technology and social media in shaping the behaviors of young people. She noted the county has 78 health facilities providing comprehensive medical care for those living with HIV, which have led to improved overall health outcomes.

Governor Anne Waiguru, in a recent state of the county address, lauded the investments made in the health sector, highlighting major improvements in key health indicators, which have contributed to better HIV outcomes. She emphasized that sustaining these gains requires continued vigilance, community engagement, and innovative strategies to reach the youth and other vulnerable populations.

The county's approach also integrates economic empowerment and social protection initiatives. Nyawira explained that programs aimed at reducing poverty, promoting education, and supporting women's economic independence are essential components of HIV prevention.