The National Syndemic Disease Control (NSDC) is intensifying efforts to curb new HIV infections among adolescents, identifying behavioral change as a critical focus in its 2024 strategic plan currently under review in Homa Bay County.
Speaking during a two-day stakeholders’ workshop in Homa Bay town, NSDC Regional Coordinator Stephen Oyugi expressed concern over rising adolescent HIV infections, largely driven by unsafe sexual practices. “Despite the drop in HIV prevalence in the county—from 26.1% in 2022 to 10.6% in 2024—adolescents remain highly vulnerable,” he said.
Oyugi emphasized the need for sustained behavioral change campaigns targeting youth, noting that increased awareness, access to information, and community-based interventions will be key to achieving national HIV prevention goals.
Meanwhile, in Busia County, the Department of Health has unveiled a state-of-the-art Viral Load Molecular Laboratory and HB Electrophoresis equipment at the county referral hospital. The move is set to enhance healthcare service delivery, particularly in HIV management and diagnostics.
According to health officials, the equipment will serve over 40,000 residents of Busia County, 20,000 patients from neighboring Vihiga County, and thousands of transit populations from Siaya, Bungoma, Kakamega, and even bordering Uganda.
The Ministry of Health continues to scale up its efforts to address risky behavior among adolescents nationwide, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ending new HIV infections and strengthening healthcare infrastructure across counties.
