An international workshop on HIV prevention and treatment has begun in Narok, bringing together key stakeholders from six countries to discuss strategies for combating the disease. The event, which runs from January 13 to 17, aims to strengthen the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Delegates from the United States, the Philippines, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya are participating in the four-day workshop, which focuses on advancing HIV prevention and treatment efforts. The workshop is being led by the Walter Reed Project, with the goal of eradicating HIV by 2030.
Dr. Fredrick Sawe, Director of the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the Walter Reed Project, shared that approximately 40 billion people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, with 30 billion of them receiving treatment. Another 7 billion people have reportedly been cured of the disease. The financial burden of treating HIV/AIDS is significant, with treatment costs exceeding 50 million US dollars annually. This has prompted researchers to explore vaccine development as a potential solution to reduce the burden of the disease.
Dr. Sawe reflected on the journey of HIV treatment, recalling a time when the disease claimed countless lives due to the lack of available treatments. Many professionals, including teachers, soldiers, and doctors, were lost to the disease. However, with advancements in medicine, people are now living with HIV for over 40 years without needing antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Despite being HIV-positive, these individuals lead healthy lives, prompting researchers to study how they manage to survive without ARVs.
The workshop is also an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and share knowledge on improving HIV services. Dr. Patricia Agaba, Senior Technical Director at the Hemming Jackson Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration in enhancing HIV prevention and treatment strategies. The exchange of ideas among scientists, healthcare professionals, and community representatives is seen as a crucial step in the global effort to combat HIV/AIDS.
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu officially opened the workshop and highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to reduce HIV prevalence. He noted that the infection rate in Narok has decreased from 5.6 percent five years ago to 1.8 percent today, which is lower than the national average of 3.8 percent. Governor Ntutu attributed this decline to the integration of HIV programs into the broader healthcare framework, which has led to significant improvements in the county’s response to the disease.
The workshop is an important milestone in the global effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS. It brings together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders who are committed to finding innovative solutions to the challenges posed by the disease. The collaboration between international partners, local governments, and communities is vital in advancing the fight against HIV and ensuring that progress continues toward the goal of eliminating the disease by 2030.
