Mombasa County has a higher HIV prevalence than the national average, with a 3.9% prevalence compared to the national rate of 3.3% in 2023[1]. Adolescents and young people (ages 10-24) constitute over 29% of the population and are prone to new HIV infections and STIs. The prevalence is notably higher in women at 10.5%, with 6% among those aged 15-19 and 10% among those aged 20-24.[2]
On the 29th of November 2024, KELIN joined the Youth in Mombasa County in marking the World AIDS Day 2024 themed “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”. Mombasa County local administration officials, health care providers and several civil society organizations, gathered to provide over 100 adolescents and young people with vital information about safe Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) to address alarming new HIV infection rates amongst adolescents and young people in the county.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Elsie Milimu, KELIN’s Program Officer highlighted the findings of the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey[3] which revealed that a significant number of young people have had their first sexual experience before turning 15. Ms. Milimu added that shockingly, many young people, lack knowledge about how to prevent HIV[4], and that nationally, girls and women made up 66.7% of all new HIV infections, with most cases involving those aged 15-24. She urged the youth to have an open-minded approach to the discussions and to be ambassadors of the lessons they would learn.
Two representatives from The Amplifiers Youth Organization, Ms. Ann Maina and Ms. Angela Mwololo moderated the discussion amongst the youth on safe sexual and reproductive health practices to prevent HIV infection. Some youth expressed that due to the high cost of condoms as well as the need to protect themselves urgently, they had resorted to using milk packet wraps as condoms. Ms. Mercy Atieno, a nurse at the Coast General Chaani Youth Friendly Services demonstrated how to safely use and dispose of a condom. She urged the youth to undergo free tests and take up the free condoms.
Cognizant of the pivotal roles that regular testing and early diagnosis play in preventing transmission, KELIN is steadfast in holding the government accountable on ensuring that young people have access to information on HIV prevention and transmission, regular testing and treatment services and affordable HIV prevention commodities such as condoms, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our website and social media platforms.
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
Twitter(X): @KELINKenya.
For more information please contact, Elsie Milimu,
Program Officer- SRHR, Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV/AIDS(KELIN),
[1] NSDCC 2023 Report
[2] https://lvcthealth.org/mombasa-launches-new-ayp-strategy-a-roadmap-for-adolescent-and-young-peoples-health/
[3] 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey
[4] World Aids Report of 2022
