Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Debora Mlongo Barasa has officially launched the World AIDS Day 2024 Half Marathon in Nairobi.
This event aims to raise awareness and unite communities in the urgent fight against HIV/AIDS, reinforcing the global objective to end AIDS by 2030.
Key stakeholders, including the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Chair Geoffrey Gitu, CEO Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha, WOFAK CEO Dorothy Onyango, COG Representative Ms. Khatra Ali, Nairobi County Government, UNAIDS, and youth advocates, attended the launch on October 30, 2024, among others
Speaking at the event, Dr. Barasa highlighted the significant strides Kenya has made in recent years, including an 83% reduction in new HIV infections—from 101,560 in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023.
The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy has nearly doubled to 1,336,681, while AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 65% over the same period.
However, challenges persist, particularly in addressing the needs of children, adolescents, and young men who face a triple threat of HIV, early pregnancies, and gender-based violence.
The marathon will specifically focus on promoting the health and well-being of men and boys living with HIV.
It aims to advocate for early diagnosis and treatment to reduce AIDS-related deaths in this demographic, which currently numbers approximately 487,710 individuals.
