The Ministry of Health on Thursday released a comprehensive report on the status of the HIV Aids pandemic in the country.
A study that was conducted between June 2018 and February 2019 showed that Nyanza region had the most cases of HIV infections in the country.
Leading the pack is Homabay county which carries 19.6 per cent prevalence of the infection in the whole country.
Kisumu, Siaya, Migori & Busia follow suit with 17.5%, 15.3%, 13.0% and 9.9% respectively.
With the average national prevalence standing at 4.9%, it means that the Nyanza region is way above other regions in the country.
The report further shows that Samburu, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Kiambu, West Pokot, and Baringo had the lowest prevalence rate.
The top 5 HIV high-prevalence counties with a prevalence of more than 9% were Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori & Busia; while prevalence was lowest (<2.0%) in nine counties (Samburu, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Kiambu, West Pokot, and Baringo) @CDCKenya @NASCOP pic.twitter.com/6C5sNauZHP
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) February 20, 2020
Findings from Garissa county shocked many as it showed that there was no new infection in the region.
Here is a list of counties with their respective infections rates.
However, women were found to be the most infected with their number being twice that of men.
Most of the infected persons were found to be youths between the ages of 20 to 34.
KENPHIA preliminary reports shows that the prevalence of HIV in women is at 6.6%, twice that in men at 3.1%. This gender disparity in the burden of HIV is even greater than 3 times in between the ages of 20-34 years @KenyaGovernors @CDCKenya @NACC_Kenya @NASCOP @NACC_Kenya pic.twitter.com/ku2QOtRgat
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) February 20, 2020
During the launch of the Kenya Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (KENPHIA) 2018 report, the United States of America was recognised for its efforts in ensuring that the infected persons received proper medication.
“The U.S. government celebrates with Kenya today …the tremendous progress made towards ensuring that the vast majority of those diagnosed with HIV are not only receiving care but also successfully managing their condition,” said USA Ambassador Kyle McCarter.