Empowering Youth in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS: The Urgent Call for Treatment Adherence

In the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, a critical focus has emerged on encouraging adolescents and young adults to adhere to their treatment regimens. As Kenya aims to end HIV/AIDS by 2030 and achieve Universal Health Coverage, addressing treatment adherence among this high-risk demographic has become imperative.

Recent data from the Ministry of Health reveals that adolescents and young adults are the most likely to default on their HIV/AIDS treatments. Dr. Rose Wafula of the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP) highlighted this troubling trend, noting that defaulting on treatment often leads to advanced HIV stages and increased mortality. To combat this, Wafula stressed the importance of engaging young people in the Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) initiative, which promotes zero missed appointments, zero missed drugs, and zero viral loads. The OTZ program emphasizes the U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable) concept, where a person with a suppressed viral load cannot transmit HIV to their partners.

During the second national OTZ conference in Nairobi, Wafula underscored the crucial role that young people play in managing and eliminating HIV/AIDS. She asserted that their involvement in policy formation, guidelines review, and data management is vital to the success of these efforts. The conference aims to inspire young people to lead the charge in HIV management and ensure adherence to treatment protocols.

Dr. Emily Koech, CEO of the Centre for International Health Education and Bio-Safety (CIHEB), echoed Wafula’s call for youth involvement. Koech emphasized the need to harness new technologies and social media platforms to disseminate information and promote adherence to treatment. She advocated for a modern approach to HIV management that includes digital tools and social media as integral components of the strategy.

The conference also highlighted the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among the Kenyan population, noting the importance of incorporating mental wellness into HIV/AIDS elimination strategies. Dr. Ruth Masha, CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), reviewed the historical challenges in HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment. She reflected on the progress made since the disease was first reported in Kenya in the 1980s, acknowledging both the achievements and the ongoing challenges.

Masha celebrated the advances in treatment, including the U=U campaign launched in 2020, which has achieved a 58% rate of viral load suppression among those adhering to treatment. However, she also noted significant disruptions in treatment due to stigma and social factors. In 2023, approximately 113,000 people interrupted their treatment, revealing a persistent gap in treatment adherence.

Masha called for a deeper investigation into the reasons behind treatment interruptions and emphasized the need for comprehensive healthcare access. She urged healthcare providers and communities to address the root causes of these disruptions and support those who are struggling with adherence.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also voiced her support for empowering adolescents living with HIV through mentorship programs and initiatives aimed at reducing stigma around HIV testing and status disclosure. Passaris stressed the need for continued community-led efforts to enhance HIV treatment adherence and support.

The ongoing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Kenya underscore the critical need for increased treatment adherence among adolescents and young adults. By involving youth in policy-making, leveraging technology, and addressing stigma and mental health issues, Kenya aims to make significant strides towards its goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030 and achieving Universal Health Coverage for all.