There is a need for a multi-sectoral approach by stakeholders in the fight against the triple threat of new HIV infections, early pregnancies, and sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) among young people.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement forum, Kajiado County Gender Deputy Director Mary Taiko revealed that adolescents and young people were at a higher risk of contracting HIV, early pregnancies, as well as being victims of gender-based violence.
The Director stated that lack of sexual reproductive health education among adolescents was a key driver of the triple threat, and stakeholders must put in concerted efforts to end the vice.
“The triple threat is still a big challenge, as there is a rise in new HIV infections among adolescents and a high number of girls dropping out of school because of teenage pregnancies,” she said.
Taiko noted that sexual and reproductive health education, community dialogue, and outreaches should be enhanced as preventive measures to end the triple threat.
Kajiado County Gender Officer Catherine Mutinda reiterated the need for collaborative efforts among all the stakeholders and the community in ending the triple threat of new HIV infections, early pregnancies, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Kajiado.
She emphasised the need for increased awareness campaigns in the community to sensitise residents and empower them to make informed choices.
According to Programs Officer, Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC), Dilex Jepchirchir, collaborative efforts with the National HIV program and integration of gender responsive actions would contribute to the creation of safer and healthier communities where HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and incidences of GBV are significantly reduced.
She added that GVRC provides free medical treatment and psychosocial support to survivors of gender-based violence.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and the National Aids Control Council (NACC) 2023, the rate of HIV infections among adolescents is on the rise, with those aged between 10-19 accounting for 61 per cent of new HIV infections and 53 per cent of sexual gender-based violence cases.
Kenya has the 3rd highest rate of teen pregnancies worldwide, where one in every five adolescents aged 15–19 are already mothers or pregnant with their firstborns.
The statistics further indicate that nine counties, including Nairobi, Kajiado, Homa Bay, Meru, Kericho, Narok, Kisii, Mandera, and Bomet, contributed to 56% of all teenage pregnancies among adolescents between 10 – 14 years of age.
Kajiado County recorded 22 per cent teenage pregnancies, with a surge in the cases being witnessed during the COVID-19 period.
By Rop Janet
