Garissa Officials Demand Urgent Action to Address HIV, Teen Pregnancies, and SGBV Crisis

In a recent forum at Garissa University, officials and community leaders have urgently called for a comprehensive response to the intertwined crises of rising HIV infections, increasing teenage pregnancies, and escalating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kenya. The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) has highlighted these issues as a ‘Triple Threat’ that requires immediate and coordinated action to prevent further deterioration.

Kenya’s struggle with HIV is notably severe, ranking seventh globally in prevalence. Approximately 1.4 million Kenyans are living with HIV, with a significant 90 percent receiving treatment. Despite these efforts, Wario Boru, an official with NSDCC, expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in new HIV infections, particularly among young people. At the sensitization forum, Boru emphasized the critical need for prevention strategies to break the cycle of illness and treatment. “If we don’t curb these rising HIV infections, we will be trapped in a vicious cycle that never ends. Alarmingly, about 40 percent of new infections occur among adolescents and young people aged 15 to 25 years,” Boru warned. He stressed that without a robust integration of HIV prevention into existing programs, the epidemic’s grip on the country would only tighten.

Douglas Bosire, a Program Officer at NSDCC, noted that while the HIV epidemic was once most pronounced in Nyanza, it has since spread nationwide. Bosire pointed out the troubling statistics surrounding teenage pregnancies, with approximately 691 girls aged 10 to 19 becoming pregnant daily in Kenya. He underscored the role of men in addressing both teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. “A 10-year-old girl should be in school, not facing the physical and emotional trauma of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,” Bosire stated. He urged men to reflect on how they would feel if their own daughters were subjected to such experiences, questioning why society allows the destruction of the lives of young girls.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, who attended the forum, proposed the establishment of a county engagement committee to tackle the root causes of these issues. “As leaders, we cannot stand by and watch this happen. I propose a serious stakeholder meeting with all relevant officials to examine this issue more closely,” Jama said. He called for the formation of a dedicated team to address the challenges of teenage pregnancies, HIV infections, and gender-based violence, and to develop actionable recommendations.

County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo also spoke about the necessity of open communication between parents and their children regarding sex education. He highlighted the disconnect between parental silence and the reality of early sexual activity among youth. “When there is a problem, we must face it head-on. Our children are being exposed to sex at an early age, yet we are too embarrassed to discuss it with them. We need to be honest with our children about the realities and consequences of sexual activity,” Mwabudzo stated. He also emphasized that in communities where polygamy is practiced, parents must ensure that they spend quality time with each of their children and provide them with accurate information about sexual health.

The urgent call to action from Garissa’s leaders and officials reflects a growing recognition of the need for a multi-faceted approach to these pressing issues. Addressing HIV, teenage pregnancies, and SGBV requires not only government intervention but also community engagement, open dialogue, and a commitment to preventive measures and education. As Kenya confronts these challenges, the collaboration of various stakeholders will be crucial in developing and implementing effective solutions that protect and support its young population and promote overall social well-being.