As Kenya gears up to mark World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, the country is taking a significant step in its ongoing battle against HIV. The spotlight this year is on the well-being of men and boys, a demographic that has shown troubling statistics in recent studies. Despite global efforts to curb the virus and the ambitious target to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, data reveals a worrying trend: while women have a higher prevalence of HIV, it is men who suffer more from AIDS-related complications and deaths, particularly those aged 35 and above.
Carol Kinoti, the deputy director of health promotion and capacity development at the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), highlighted the importance of this shift in focus during a media sensitization program ahead of the annual event. She noted that recent data has shown a disproportionately high number of AIDS-related deaths among men, prompting a renewed effort to address this gap. The statistics from 2023 are alarming, indicating that 72% of AIDS-related deaths among men occurred in individuals aged 35 and older, compared to 69% among women. More strikingly, it was reported that 27 men and boys died every day from AIDS-related causes in 2023, with a total of 9,808 deaths recorded among this group throughout the year.
This year’s theme in Kenya aims to bring men and boys to the forefront of the fight against HIV. The decision to focus on this group stems from a growing recognition that men often do not seek health services as readily as women. Many men delay seeking medical help until the disease has progressed to a more severe stage, reducing their chances of effective treatment. This reluctance can be attributed to various factors, including societal norms and stigmas that discourage men from showing vulnerability or seeking help. As a result, many men miss out on the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment, which are crucial in managing HIV and preventing AIDS-related deaths.
The health authorities are now urging men to take proactive steps in managing their health, particularly by getting tested regularly and adhering to prescribed treatments if diagnosed. The campaign also aims to promote positive health behaviors among boys and young men, encouraging them to be more aware of their health status and to seek medical advice early. By addressing these issues, the health sector hopes to reduce the number of AIDS-related deaths among men and improve overall outcomes in the fight against HIV.
Kenya’s strategy also involves engaging men as key players in addressing the “Triple Threats” of HIV: high rates of new infections, gender-based violence, and low uptake of health services among men. Kinoti emphasized that involving men in these discussions is essential, as they often play a significant role in perpetuating some of the risk factors that increase vulnerability to HIV. For instance, men are frequently implicated in cases of violence and sexual exploitation, which contribute to the spread of HIV. By putting men at the center of HIV prevention efforts, the campaign seeks to foster greater responsibility and encourage them to become champions of positive change.
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) is also working to increase access to HIV services for men and boys, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This includes efforts to make HIV testing and treatment more accessible and to reduce the stigma associated with the virus. The council is collaborating with local organizations and health facilities to offer flexible services that cater to the needs of men, such as extended clinic hours and mobile testing units. These initiatives are designed to reach men who may not visit health centers due to work commitments or societal pressures.
As the country commemorates World AIDS Day, there is a strong push to raise awareness about the importance of testing, prevention, and treatment for everyone, regardless of gender. However, this year’s focus on men and boys is a recognition that addressing the unique challenges faced by this group is crucial to achieving the goal of zero new infections by 2030. Health officials are calling on men to take part in community discussions, to support each other in seeking medical help, and to challenge harmful norms that prevent men from accessing healthcare. By changing the narrative and encouraging more men to prioritize their health, Kenya hopes to make significant strides in reducing the impact of HIV on its population.
