On Sunday, Kenya joined the global community in observing World AIDS Day 2024, marked by a vibrant half marathon organized by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC).
The event included several races: the Wheelchair Race, Half Marathon, CEO’s Race, 10 km Run, and a 5 km Family Fun Run, all intended to uplift the health and well-being of men and boys living with HIV.
The marathon aimed to raise awareness and galvanize communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS, reinforcing the global mission to eradicate AIDS by 2030. Currently, around 487,710 individuals in Kenya are living with the virus.
The focus remains on advocating for early diagnosis and treatment to significantly reduce AIDS-related deaths within this demographic.
Event organizers faced the logistical challenge of temporarily closing key Nairobi roads, including Nyayo Stadium to Museum Hill, as well as numerous routes across the city. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority urged the public to use alternative routes and plan for the disruption.
Recent statistics show Kenya has made significant progress in combating HIV, with an 83% reduction in new infections from 101,560 in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023.
The number of individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy has nearly doubled to 1,336,681, and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 65%.
However, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa emphasized ongoing challenges, particularly in managing the needs of children, adolescents, and young men facing multiple threats, including HIV, early pregnancies, and gender-based violence.
