UASIN GISHU'S EFFORTS TO CONTAIN SYNDEMIC DISEASES THROUGH INTEGRATED HEALTH APPROACH

The County Government of Uasin Gishu is committed to combating HIV and other interconnected health conditions through integrated, evidence-based interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

This commitment was underscored as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, Janet Kurgat, joined other county health leaders and key stakeholders during the national launch of the Kenya AIDS Integration Strategic Framework (KAISF) 2025–2030 and the 47 County Syndemic Operational Plans presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale.

The launch took place during the 2026 Joint Annual Programme Review convened by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) under the theme, “Strengthening Evidence-Based, Multisectoral Action for Impact.”

The forum brought together representatives from national and county governments, development partners, civil society organizations and health experts to review progress in Kenya's HIV response and develop strategies for addressing syndemic diseases, which include HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, mental health disorders and non-communicable diseases.

A key highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the 47 County Syndemic Operational Plans, which are designed to strengthen service integration, improve coordination and enhance accountability in addressing multiple health conditions that often occur together and place a significant burden on communities.

Speaking during the meeting, Kurgat reiterated Uasin Gishu County's commitment to implementing comprehensive interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of HIV and other syndemic diseases through prevention, treatment, awareness creation and strengthened healthcare systems.

She noted that Uasin Gishu's HIV prevalence rate currently stands at approximately 3.7 percent based on 2025 estimates, slightly above the national average of 3.22 percent, highlighting the need for sustained efforts in prevention, testing, treatment and support services.

"We cannot afford to be complacent. Every percentage point above the national average represents real people; fathers, mothers and young people, who depend on us for life-saving care.

Our goal is not just to reduce numbers, but to restore dignity and hope to every household affected by HIV in Uasin Gishu," said Kurgat.

She emphasized that the County Government will continue strengthening integrated healthcare delivery by enhancing collaboration across sectors, expanding access to quality health services and addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to the spread and impact of syndemic diseases.

CS Duale commended Kenya's progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths and called for stronger collaboration between national and county governments to sustain gains made in the fight against HIV and other public health challenges.

The meeting reaffirmed the critical role of county governments in implementing people-centered health interventions and advancing Universal Health Coverage through responsive, equitable and sustainable healthcare systems.