Kwale records major progress in HIV fight

Kwale County has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 90 percent of the population living with the virus now receiving medication. 

This achievement comes 40 years after the first case of HIV/AIDS was recorded in the country.

Speaking at the World AIDS Day commemoration held at Lunga Lunga Primary School, Chief Officer for Health Services Athuman Mwashando, highlighted the county’s progress.

He attributed the positive results to continuous awareness and sensitization programs that have significantly reduced the stigma surrounding HIV-positive individuals.

“Before, most people did not want to check their status due to fear of discrimination. But due to our awareness campaigns, more people are now getting tested, and those who test positive are no longer stigmatized as they were in the past,” Mr Mwashando said. 

He added that of the 20,000 people in the county living with HIV, only 5,000 are not on anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment.

Mr Mwashando’s remarks were echoed by County Attorney Salim Gombeni, who urged the youths of Kwale to maintain high moral standards to prevent further spread of the virus among the younger population.

Mr Gombeni also called on the 5,000 HIV-positive youths who are not yet accessing health services to do so, as early treatment can help manage the disease and reduce the likelihood of transmission.

“The county government, has improved the quality of health care services across all 178 health facilities in the county. These services include HIV testing, access to ARVs, safe delivery for HIV-positive mothers, and counseling services. We are managing the pandemic effectively,” Mr Gombeni stated.

He further urged the community to embrace people living with HIV/AIDS and reduce the stigma and discrimination often faced by those infected.

Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo also commended the county government for its efforts in combating HIV/AIDS.

He praised the provision of HIV services in all of Kwale’s health facilities and urged men and boys to get tested regularly.

“I want to encourage men and boys in Kwale to get tested, and those who are HIV-positive should take their medication seriously. If they fail to do so, they risk infecting others,” Mr Chiforomodo said.

Among those who spoke at the event was Angelin, a 20-year-old HIV/AIDS survivor who was born with the virus. 

Angelin shared her personal story of living healthily with HIV for the last two decades, thanks to consistent use of medication and following medical advice.

“I have lived a healthy life because I have always taken my medication and listened to the doctors. To those who are not infected, I urge you to avoid risky sexual behaviors. Always use protection or abstain,” Angelin said.

This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “It’s a race against time, end AIDS by 2030,” aligns closely with Kwale County’s ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of HIV. The county’s HIV services are now available across 178 facilities, a significant increase from the 67 facilities that offered such services before devolution.

Other government officials present at the event included Chief Officer for Social Services and Talent Management, Rizik Mwasoza, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Ronald Chakaya, Deputy County Commissioner for Lunga Lunga, Joseph Sawe, and Lunga Lunga Municipal Manager, Grace Mbeyu.

As Kwale County continues its fight against HIV/AIDS, local leaders are optimistic about achieving even greater progress in the coming years.

With improved health infrastructure, increased awareness, and ongoing support for those living with HIV, the county is determined to reduce the number of new infections and work toward the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.