Despite significant progress in HIV prevention and treatment, thousands of Kenyan babies continue to be born with HIV, a preventable condition. In 2023, over 4,000 infants were born with the virus, despite the availability of free medication aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission. This stark reality highlights several systemic issues that continue to hinder progress in the fight against pediatric HIV in Kenya and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
One of the main challenges is the failure to diagnose infants early. Many babies born to HIV-positive mothers are not tested promptly due to the lack of point-of-care diagnostic tools and ineffective follow-up systems. This delay means that many children who are exposed to the virus do not begin life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in time. Without early treatment, the risk of complications and even death increases, underscoring the need for timely intervention.
Kenya has made significant strides in the fight against HIV, with about 75,000 children aged 0–14 living with HIV in the country. However, more than 4,000 new infections in children were reported in 2023 alone. Alarmingly, two out of every ten of these children are not receiving the ART that could save their lives. The lack of timely treatment for these infants is a major barrier to the country’s goal of eliminating pediatric HIV by 2030.
Efforts to address this issue are being spearheaded by organizations like the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), which collaborates with Kenya’s Ministry of Health to combat HIV in children, youth, and families. EGPAF’s Regional Director for Public Policy & Advocacy, Rhoda Igweta, emphasizes the importance of scaling up prevention services and expanding innovative testing methods to reach every child who may be living with HIV. “We need to find these children and get them on treatment as soon as possible,” Igweta says.
Despite the challenges, Kenya has made progress, with 82% of children living with HIV receiving ART. However, more work is needed to ensure that every child is diagnosed and receives the necessary care. Homa Bay County, for example, has the highest burden of pediatric HIV in Kenya, with over 10,000 HIV-positive children. Addressing the specific needs of high-burden areas like Homa Bay is critical to ensuring that no child is left behind.
The Kenyan government has committed to ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2027. The plan includes four key strategies: eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis; addressing the “triple threat” of new HIV infections, pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence among young people; ensuring children’s voices are heard in policy development; and setting a goal of no child being born with HIV by 2027.
These goals are achievable, but they require sustained funding, political will, and stronger healthcare systems. One of the key obstacles is that many pregnant women living with HIV do not seek antenatal care early enough or at all, which delays their ability to start ART. Additionally, some mothers lack access to ART during pregnancy and breastfeeding, further increasing the risk of transmission to their infants.
To combat these challenges, EGPAF advocates for increased investment in community-based interventions that bring HIV care and treatment closer to where people live. This approach is essential in reaching marginalized populations, especially new and expectant mothers who may not have access to formal healthcare facilities.
The fight against pediatric HIV is a complex one, but the momentum is building. Governments, policymakers, and organizations like EGPAF are working tirelessly to close the gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. For Kenya and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, the goal of eliminating pediatric HIV is within reach, but it will require a collective, concerted effort to make it a reality.
Through continued advocacy, policy change, and on-the-ground intervention, Kenya can pave the way for a future where no child is born with HIV, and where those living with the virus can access the care and support they need to thrive. The battle is far from over, but with the right focus and commitment, the next generation can grow up HIV-free.
