In 2022, 15 to 24-year-olds accounted for 41% of new HIV infections in Kenya, according to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council. Alarming as this statistic is, it paints the picture of a severe gap in HIV prevention knowledge among the youth.
Despite Kenya’s progress in combating HIV/AIDS, the lack of comprehensive education and resources continues to leave young people vulnerable.
But just how critical is this situation? Kenya’s youthful population, with 59% aged below 24, faces a disproportionate risk of HIV infection. In 2022, there were approximately 7,307 new HIV infections among young people aged 15-24.
This vulnerability stems from a lack of comprehensive sexual education and limited access to reproductive health services. The consequences are dire: increased infection rates, unintended pregnancies, and perpetuated stigma that discourages recommended care-seeking behaviour post-HIV infection.
HIV prevention among the youth is not just a health issue but a national priority. Many young people lack the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their sexual health. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 revealed that slightly more than half of young people (54% of women and 55% of men) are aware of HIV prevention methods. This statistic underscores a troubling reality: nearly half of the young population is ill-equipped to protect themselves against HIV. The implications extend beyond health, impacting national economic growth and overall quality of life.
The economic implications are equally substantial. Studies have shown that the HIV and AIDS epidemic can reduce the per capita income in affected countries by 12%. This is an indication of the substantial economic burden that HIV imposes on nations. The youth’s potential to drive economic growth in Kenya will only be realised if significant investments are made towards improving their health and well-being.
Setback
Kenya has made commendable strides in fighting HIV/AIDS, but the focus on youth education has faltered. Existing programs in schools often emphasize abstinence, neglecting other critical aspects of HIV prevention such as condom use, regular testing, and comprehensive sexual education.
Despite efforts by NGOs and government bodies – who also share the responsibility for the existing knowledge gap – these programs are hampered by insufficient funding, inadequate training for educators, and socio-cultural barriers. The result is a piecemeal approach that fails to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect themselves.
Healthcare providers, despite their crucial role, face biases and privacy concerns that deter youth from seeking services. Government bodies, particularly the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, must ensure accurate information reaches the youth through supportive policies and resources. NGOs and communities, too, must foster open dialogues and combat stigma and misinformation.
In an era where technology permeates every aspect of life, leveraging digital platforms to disseminate information and provide support is crucial. Mobile health (mHealth) initiatives, which utilise mobile phones to deliver health services and information, have shown promise in other health domains and could be effectively applied to HIV prevention and care. The Communications Authority of Kenya reports that 91% of Kenyans own a mobile phone, and 48% use smartphones, offering a vast and accessible platform for health interventions.
The power of influencers and peer educators on platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok is critical in reaching Kenyan youth aged 18 to 24. The 2024 digital trends report shows TikTok had 10.60 million users aged 18 and above in Kenya, with 70.2% of social media users aged 16-64 engaging with the platform monthly. Instagram and X also have significant usage, at 67.8% and 56.8%, respectively. There is a great chance that health campaigns using these platforms will prove effective.
Several other barriers impede effective information dissemination about HIV/AIDS. Stigma, cultural taboos, and insufficient funding limit educational reach and open discussion. The digital divide restricts access, especially in rural areas, while inadequate training for teachers and healthcare providers results in ineffective education and support. More actors must remain in play to overcome these challenges.
Recognising the vulnerability of 18 to 24-year-olds makes it a critical public duty to adopt a proactive stance in combating the rising trend of HIV infections.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for every HIV infection that is prevented, an estimated $360,000 is saved in the cost of providing lifetime HIV treatment. Therefore, preventing just one HIV infection is a crucial step that each of us can contribute to.
(The writer; Dr Samuel Kinyanjui, is the Country Director of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Kenya).
