Use condoms for empowerment, Omanyala tells youth

By Peter Ochieng

Africa 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala is urging youth to embrace use of condoms, as a safe pair of hands towards reducing HIV/AIDS related deaths in the country.

Speaking during the 15th anniversary of AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s entry into Kenya, Omanyala said condoms should not only be used as a form of protection, but as a method of empowerment.

Omanyala is the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) youth ambassador. “In the face of two HIV-related deaths every hour in Kenya, let's champion our health. Use condoms—it's not just protection; it's empowerment,” said the sprinter.

AHF is this November celebrating providing HIV prevention and care services, including antiretroviral treatment, to over 100,000 Kenyans since its entry in the country in 2007.

The NGO, touted as the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world providing treatment and advocacy to about 2 million people in 45 countries, has in the period invested over Sh7 billion in Kenya through a network of 74 care and treatment facilities and 20 HIV testing centres spread across 10 counties.

Recently, the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) revealed that Kenya currently bears the 7th highest HIV burden globally. New HIV infections among children, adolescents, and young people, in 2022 reached an estimated 62 per week among those aged 10-19.

NSDCC also announced that the most affected counties are Kisumu, Nairobi, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kakamega, Kiambu, and Kisii. During the 15th anniversary celebrations in Mathare area, AHF inaugurated the newly renovated AHF Mathare clinic.

Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department for Medical Services, acknowledged AHF's partnership efforts with the Ministry of Health.

"I express gratitude for the collaborative spirit shown by AHF and other like-minded organizations in addressing challenges posed by the virus. Our commitment to combating HIV remains resolute, and the government has now set up a legal framework to support investment in healthcare from donors and the private sector,” he said.

The Mathare clinic is set to serve over 2000 HIV patients, acting as a crucial hub for rapid testing, ensuring prompt knowledge of one’s HIV status, and providing comprehensive treatment and support services to HIV patients.

Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, Country Director AHF Kenya, unveiled the My Care Plan, the AHF promise and commitment to the clients.

Dr. Kinyanjui noted that in 2022 alone, 1,294,339 individuals received life-saving antiretroviral treatment. He acknowledged that this marks a significant increase in the number of people living with HIV on treatment.

“The fact that 89% of them achieved viral suppression reflects positive outcomes from collaborative initiatives and we commend all sector players that made this possible,” he said.

In support of AHF's goal to contribute to the elimination of HIV as a public health threat in the country by 2030, the PS commended the NGO for distributing over 52 million condoms and conducting 3.8 million tests between 2010 and 2023.

Ahead of the World Aids Day to be marked on 1st December, Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha, Chief Executive Officer of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), emphasized the urgency of addressing rising HIV infections in previously low-burden counties and among the youth.

“Our celebration of progress in the fight against HIV is tempered by the concerning increase in new infections. This trend, particularly in regions with historically lower burdens, suggests shifts in transmission dynamics. It underscores the need to strengthen community involvement in our ongoing battle against HIV,” she stated.