By Wasike Elvis
Uasin Gishu County has recorded a higher HIV prevalence rate than the national average, raising concerns over the growing rate of new infections and mother-to-child transmissions in the region.
This was revealed by Faith Koskei, the Regional Coordinator for the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, during a sensitization forum for Eldoret-based journalists.
Koskei, who oversees HIV and syndemic disease coordination in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi counties, said the county's HIV prevalence rate currently stands at 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%.
Breaking down the figures, she noted that the prevalence among women is significantly higher at 4.8%, while men stand at 2.2%. “The higher rate among women is due to a combination of biological vulnerability and better health-seeking behavior,” said Koskei. “Women are more likely to get tested, hence more are diagnosed.”
She attributed Uasin Gishu’s higher HIV rate to its strategic position as a transport corridor through Eldoret City, which increases the risk of transmission due to high mobility and associated social behaviors.
Of particular concern is the mother-to-child transmission rate, which in Uasin Gishu stands at 12.5%—nearly double the national rate of 7.5%, and far above the World Health Organization's recommended threshold of 5%. “This means more babies are being born HIV positive despite the availability of preventive treatment. We must strengthen interventions targeting pregnant women,” she emphasized.
Koskei also addressed the challenges posed by recent budget cuts in HIV funding, especially from international donors like the US government. “It was a shock, but the county has managed the situation. I can assure the community that ARVs are fully stocked in all public health facilities across the county,” she said.
To respond to funding uncertainties, the county is implementing a ‘one-door’ integration policy. This approach treats multiple conditions—including HIV, TB, and malaria—under one outpatient department, reducing stigma and improving service delivery.
She also urged counties to increase domestic financing for HIV, aiming to reduce dependence on donor aid. “We are calling on counties to allocate at least 50% of HIV response budgets from local resources so we can be self-reliant in the future,” she added.
Despite medical progress, stigma remains a major barrier. “According to the latest stigma index conducted by the Network of People Living with HIV, stigma in Uasin Gishu stands at 40%. This is still too high and is undermining our HIV response efforts,” said Koskei.
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