9 Counties With Highest HIV Prevalence

 9 Counties With Highest HIV Prevalence

 9 Counties With Highest HIV Prevalence

According to a National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) report,  there has been a rise in HIV infections in nine counties in Kenya. The Nyanza region has seen the greatest increase in HIV prevalence, with more  cases also being reported in the coastline region and in arid and semi-arid regions (Asals).

With the exception of Nyamira County, every county in Nyanza saw an increase in the prevalence of HIV. The most affected county was Homa Bay County, which saw an increase of 15.2%, closely followed by Kisumu, which saw an increase of 14.5%.

Additional counties in Nyanza that had a rise are Siaya (13.2%), Migori (9.7%), and  Kisii (4.4%). Speaking about the unexpected increase in infections in the Nyanza region,  Douglas Bosire, a program officer with the NSDCC, pointed out that culture played  a key role.

According to the NSDCC, Mombasa saw the most increase in infections at 4.6% in  the coastal region. Samburu saw a 4.3% rise in new infections, which was mostly ascribed to the  region’s poor adoption of contemporary medical practices. Since many people are afraid of being tested because of the stigma attached to it,  the figures in ASAL regions may be greater than those reported. The counties of Vihiga and Uasin Gishu also saw increases of 4.2% and 3.7%,  respectively.

Since young people account for the majority of new HIV infections, the nation is  falling behind schedule to eradicate HIV infections by 2027. The Ministry of Health reports that young Kenyans 29 years of age and younger  account for 61% of all new infections.