Kenya has missed its male circumcision target for the year ending June 2024, raising serious concerns about the country’s public health goals, particularly in HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis prevention. The national goal was to perform 97,220 voluntary medical male circumcisions (VMMC), but only 65,550 were completed, resulting in a shortfall of 31,670 procedures. This missed target highlights challenges in the country’s health system and raises alarms about the effectiveness of its HIV prevention strategies.
Several factors have contributed to this shortfall, with funding constraints being one of the primary causes. These financial limitations have led to a lack of medical equipment, trained staff, and outreach programs. Furthermore, the demand for circumcision services has often exceeded the number of available trained healthcare providers. Cultural and religious beliefs in some communities continue to discourage circumcision, further limiting uptake of the services. The lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have also disrupted health systems, delaying elective procedures such as circumcision, while a lack of awareness and insufficient community engagement have contributed to lower participation rates.
Male circumcision is a key intervention in the fight against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Research from the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has shown that male circumcision can reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by approximately 60%. It also helps reduce the risk of other STIs such as syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and genital herpes. Additionally, circumcision improves hygiene and reduces the risk of penile and cervical cancer in female partners. Kenya’s VMMC program has been a cornerstone of the country’s broader HIV prevention strategy, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence.
However, missing the circumcision target puts national HIV and STI prevention efforts at risk. In 2023, Kenya recorded 22,154 new HIV infections, including 5,122 cases among men. These figures underscore the urgency of maintaining strong HIV prevention measures, as the country continues to face significant challenges in reducing new infections. The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council emphasized that voluntary medical male circumcision remains one of the most effective tools in reducing HIV transmission, and missing the target means many individuals remain vulnerable to infection.
STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HPV, also remain a significant public health challenge in Kenya. Health facilities across the country are expected to treat over 309,000 cases of STIs in 2023. The increasing number of young people seeking treatment for STIs highlights the need for more robust education and prevention strategies to address this growing issue.
Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B (HBV), continues to be a silent epidemic in Kenya. The estimated prevalence of HBV infection in the country stands at 7.8%, but many people remain unaware of their infection because the disease can be asymptomatic for years. Strengthening routine screening, vaccination, and treatment programs is crucial in tackling this public health challenge.
To close the gap and achieve future circumcision targets, experts recommend several strategies. The Ministry of Health, donor agencies, and community leaders must work together to implement targeted interventions. Moving beyond traditional hospital-based circumcision services and expanding mobile clinics, increasing the involvement of community health workers, and securing more funding will be critical in meeting Kenya’s health goals. These efforts will be essential in ensuring that the country can effectively address the challenges posed by HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis in the years to come.
