PS Mochache raises alarm as Kilifi records high mother-to-child HIV/AIDs transmission rate.

According to the latest data released, Kilifi county has recorded an increased rate of Mother-to-Child HIV/AIDs transmission rate across the Country.

Data released by the National Aids Control Council (NACC) revealed that Kilifi’s rate stands at 11%, compared to the national average which is 8.3%.

According to the report, for every 100 women visiting health facilities to deliver, 11 transmit the virus to their children.

Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache who spoke during a community sensitization forum aimed at addressing the Triple Threats facing adolescents in Malindi town, Kilifi County, said the government has found a solution to the problem and bring it to an end.

During another sensitization campaign forum held at Bunthuani beach, Malindi town, it emerged that there has been an increase in rates pf teenage pregnancies, Gender-Based Violence, and HIV infections amongst adolescents in Kilifi.

The PS Called on the stakeholders to help contain the threats as the challenges in Kilifi County were alarming.

“Sexual and gender-based violence has persisted for years. Seven in 10 cases of gender-based violence happen among adolescents aged 10-17 years. The County also recorded an increase of 56% from 396 cases in 2016 to 900 in 2021,” she said.

She called for community dialogue and increase consultation efforts so as to save future generations.

“Another major challenge that threatens the gains made in HIV prevention in Kilifi is the high number of injecting drug users,” the PS said.

She said her visit to the Omar project in Malindi which helps in the rehabilitation of drug users established that many have been infected by HIV/AIDS.

The ‘Triple Threat Campaign’ is a multisectoral, whole government approach to ending new HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence among adolescent girls and young women by addressing the drivers of risk and vulnerability in the population.

National Aids Control Council CEO Dr. Ruth Laibon Masha said the time is ripe for everybody to take responsibility in fighting the vices that are affecting innocent children.

“We have taken the campaign from boardrooms to Mashinani so that our girls are safe and in school,” she said.