CS Barasa launches World AIDS Day half marathon

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Dr. Debora Mlongo Barasa has launched the World AIDS Day 2024 Half Marathon.

The launch event took place in Nairobi, on Wednesday October 30, 2024.

The CS said the event aims to raise awareness and unite communities in the urgent fight against HIV/AIDS, reinforcing the global objective to end AIDS by 2030.

Dr. Barasa highlighted the significant strides Kenya has made in recent years, including an 83% reduction in new HIV infections—from 101,560 in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023.

“The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy has nearly doubled to 1,336,681, while AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 65% over the same period,” she noted.

However, the CS admitted that challenges persist, particularly in addressing the needs of children, adolescents, and young men who face a triple threat of HIV, early pregnancies, and gender-based violence.

The marathon, CS Barasa said, will specifically focus on promoting the health and well-being of men and boys living with HIV.

“It aims to advocate for early diagnosis and treatment to reduce AIDS-related deaths in this demographic, which currently numbers approximately 487,710 individuals.”

Key stakeholders including the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Chair Geoffrey Gitu among others attended the launch. World AIDS day is marked every December 01.

It is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other diseases.

Governments and health officials, non-governmental organisations, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

The 2024 celebrations will be the 37th, with this year’s theme being “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.”