The number of HIV infections among younger age groups in Kenya is on an upward trend, according to data released by the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD).
According to NCPD, a majority of the cases of HIV AIDS occurred between the ages of 15 to 19.
The contributing factor is increased cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) leading to cases of early pregnancy which on the other hand have seen many adolescent girls drop out of school.
Kenya uses Sh25.4 billion to combat the HIV pandemic catering for the commodities still with some donors pulling out.
The country needs to restructure to help reduce the number of infections.
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Counties with the highest number of adolescent pregnancy cases in 2020 include Nairobi 2,598, Kajiado 1,349, Meru 1,341, Homa Bay 1,181, and Kericho 183 cases.
Based on the caseload in 2021; Nairobi county recorded 2,239, Homa Bay 1,530, Kajiado 1,496, Mandera 1,370, and Bomet 1,041 cases.
A key concern among stakeholders is the reducing donor funding for HIV as Kenya uses Sh25.4 billion annually for HIV commodities such as testing and prevention methods.