The streets of Nairobi will see temporary closures on Sunday, December 1, from 6 am to 10 am as the city hosts the 2024 World AIDS Day half marathon and other related races. These races are a key initiative to promote the health and well-being of men and boys, aligning with the event’s theme for the year: “Promoting the health and wellbeing of boys and men.”
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has outlined a series of road closures that will affect major city routes. The marathon, which will start at Nyayo Stadium and proceed via various city streets, will cause significant traffic disruptions. Among the affected roads are Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue, Koinange Street, Muindi Mbigu Street, Wabera Street, Taifa Road, Harambee Avenue, Parliament Road, Haile Selassie Street, and several others around key areas like Upper Hill, Lower Hill, and the city center. KURA has advised the public to utilize alternative routes as guided by police officers and traffic marshals.
Raising Awareness and Breaking Stigma
The World AIDS Day half marathon is not just a sporting event but a powerful platform for raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly among men and boys. This year, the race will address critical issues, including new HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and substance abuse disorders among young people. These challenges have become a growing concern, especially as they affect the younger generation.
Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, will be among the key participants, adding a celebrity boost to the event. Omanyala, who has been an advocate for health and wellness, shared his personal commitment to the cause through a heartfelt message on social media. “We need to talk about the fight. We actually need to race against time to curb HIV/AIDS by 2030,” he said. “Let’s come together to raise awareness, break the stigma, and play our part in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
Omanyala’s participation serves as a call to action, urging all Kenyans to take part in this important event. His endorsement emphasizes that this marathon is more than just a physical race – it is a race against the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and a race toward achieving significant progress in the fight against the epidemic.
The Races and Their Significance
The marathon will feature five different races, catering to various participants. The first race, the Wheelchair Race, will kick off at 6:30 am, followed by the Half Marathon at 7 am. The CEO’s Race will take place at 7:10 am, while the 10 km Run will start at 8:10 am. The 5 km Family Fun Run, which is expected to attract many families and casual runners, will close the event at 9 am.
The National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC), which has organized the marathon, emphasizes that the event is more than a physical race. It is a vital opportunity to raise awareness about the health and social challenges faced by men and boys, particularly those living with HIV. The NSDCC’s message is clear: addressing HIV/AIDS requires collective action to tackle the triple threat of new infections, unintended pregnancies, and SGBV, particularly among adolescents and young people.
The Need for Focus on Men and Boys
One of the core focuses of the marathon is to highlight the health and well-being of boys and men. According to recent data from the NSDCC, the statistics are concerning. In 2023, a total of 5,968 new cases of HIV infections were recorded among men and boys, with 44 percent of these cases affecting individuals aged 15 to 34. Moreover, 487,710 men and boys were living with HIV, with a prevalence rate of 2.2 percent. Among those living with the virus, 415,721 were men over the age of 15, and 35,989 were boys between the ages of 0 to 14 years.
The data also highlights a tragic reality: 9,808 men and boys died from AIDS-related causes in 2023, with 70 percent of these deaths occurring among men aged 30 and above. These statistics underscore the need for greater focus on men’s health, particularly in addressing the unique challenges they face regarding HIV/AIDS.
Conclusion
As the 2024 World AIDS Day marathon approaches, it is clear that the event is a crucial opportunity to raise awareness, break down stigmas, and call for increased support in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The race will bring together individuals from all walks of life, including high-profile figures like Ferdinand Omanyala, to help spread the message that HIV/AIDS is a challenge that requires everyone’s participation. With the public urged to plan ahead due to road closures, the marathon promises to be a significant moment in Kenya’s ongoing battle against the epidemic.
