VIHIGA COUNTY MARKS WORLD AIDS DAY

Vihiga County today joined the rest of the world in marking World AIDS Day. Led by the Department of Health Services residents, healthcare workers and partners marked the day at the Sabatia Sub-County Hospital Grounds.

The celebrations which began with a walk from Mudete to the Sabatia Sub-County Hospital Grounds saw the attendees honour lives lost, reflect on progress made, and reaffirm support for all those living with and affected by HIV. The event also included physical and wellness exercises, entertainment from local artists, a panel discussion, speeches, and free HIV testing and counselling services creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for community awareness

This year’s theme, focused on ending AIDS in adolescents and young people, is especially relevant to Vihiga. The county currently has 19,659 people living with HIV, including 1,051 children aged 0–14 years. In 2024, the county recorded 265 new HIV infections, with adolescents accounting for 71 of these cases. The HIV prevalence rate stands at 3.6%, with 2.4% among males and 4.7% among females. These numbers highlight the urgent need to protect adolescents and young adults, who continue to make up a significant share of new infections.

Speaking during the commemoration, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for the Department of Health Services Dr. Nicholas Kitungulu emphasized that this year’s theme speaks directly to the heart of the community. He encouraged young people to get tested, know their status, speak up, ask questions, and make choices that safeguard their future.

“Across Vihiga, adolescents and young adults contribute a significant portion of new HIV infections. To end AIDS among adolescents and young adults, we must adopt a multi-faceted and compassionate approach,” said CECM Kitungulu.

The commemoration was also attended by partner organizations including Vihiga Women in Business, Rural Outreach Africa, Utu Bora CBO, Kenya Red Cross, Impact Research and Development Organization (IRDO), Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), Nuru ya Mtoto, Tiko, Judiciary, NACADA, and the National Syndemic Disease Control Council among others.

The County Government of Vihiga remains committed to strengthening its HIV response and ensuring that no adolescent or young person is left behind.