President Reaffirms Kenya’s Commitment to Ending AIDS by 2030

 

President William Ruto has reiterated Kenya’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, urging strengthened prevention, treatment, and youth-focused interventions to address rising new infections. His remarks were delivered on Sunday by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, during the World AIDS Day Half Marathon at Nyayo National Stadium.

The President highlighted that, despite major strides in the national HIV response, adolescents and young people continue to face heightened vulnerabilities. Teenage pregnancies, new HIV infections, and gaps in access to preventive services remain a concern.

Ruto noted that Kenya has made significant progress, with 87 percent of people living with HIV currently on treatment. He added that expanded investments in maternal and child health have increased the number of HIV-free births across the country. In a move aimed at boosting treatment adherence and convenience, he announced that Kenya will introduce long-acting injectable HIV treatment next year.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, the President cited ongoing social health insurance reforms and continued investment in health systems. He acknowledged the challenge posed by declining global donor support but emphasized that Kenya will sustain its domestic efforts to protect vulnerable populations.

He commended the strong multisector partnerships coordinated by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), calling for continued collaboration to tackle the “triple threat” of HIV infections, teenage pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence.

The event also marked the launch of the Kenya AIDS Integration Strategic Framework (2025–2030) and the World AIDS Progress Report, both expected to shape national HIV interventions over the next five years.

The commemoration brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society groups, and the public. Among those present were Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga and Carren Ageng’o, KEWOSA members led by Senator Veronica Maina, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, NSDCC CEO Dr. Douglas Bosire, NASCOP Head Dr. Andrew, KNH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, and JOOTRH CEO Dr. Joshua Okise.