On World Aids Day (WAD), Kenyans commemorated it in different parts of the country in different ways.
With gains made towards eliminating the virus that causes Aids, HIV, statistics give a gloomy picture especially among the youths.
AMREF says that most new HIV infections are occurring among teenagers, painting a dark picture of the future if the young generation does not change their sexual habits.
#WAD2015KE In Kenya, 70%of infected adolescents are girls&3 in 10 new #HIV infections are among people aged 15-24 pic.twitter.com/PKxrVDXew4
— Amref Health Africa (@Amref_Worldwide) December 1, 2015
#WAD2015KE A future free of HIV and AIDS starts with the end of adolescents AIDS @AIDSFreeGen @theaidsalliance @NACC_Kenya @MinHealthKE
— Amref Health Africa (@Amref_Worldwide) December 1, 2015
Unicef also paints a picture that would render the future bleak if steps to tame the virus from spreading are not adopted by the youths.
AIDS is the number one cause of death among adolescents in Africa. #WorldAIDSDay #WAD2015 pic.twitter.com/ZN8zivt9u2
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) December 1, 2015
As we mark #WAD2015, 29% of new HIV infections are among adolescents and young people. pic.twitter.com/QqMISKbR8F
— UNICEF Kenya (@UNICEFKenya) December 1, 2015
Challenges to combating the virus still remain with stigma being a major one.
#WAD2015KE Dr.Nduku Kilonzo NACC Director…We have made strides in the fight against HIV and AIDS…Stigma remains a challenge
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
Kilonzo says that talking about HIV is one of winning against it.
“We need to get young people to start talking about HIV & AIDS because this is the only way to Get to Zero”. NACC Director Dr Kilonzo
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
In Nairobi, WAD was commemorated at City Stadium where First Lady Margaret Kenyatta was the chief guest.
First Lady arrives at City Stadium for the National Commemoration of World AIDS Day & launch of DREAMS Initiative. pic.twitter.com/cioxMQKlQl
— The First Lady Kenya (@FirstLadyKenya) December 1, 2015
The First Lady is received by US Amb. Robert Godec when she arrived at City Stadium for #WorldAIDSDay commemoration pic.twitter.com/eEhojA0eQO
— The First Lady Kenya (@FirstLadyKenya) December 1, 2015
The First Lady visits exhibitions at City Stadium during the National Commemoration of #WorldAIDSDay #WAD2015KE pic.twitter.com/rHYqXKxJ1D
— The First Lady Kenya (@FirstLadyKenya) December 1, 2015
The commemoration attracted a variety of personalities who expressed their commitment to ending the burden of the virus.
Leaders drawn from various sectors address Kenyans during #WorldAIDSDay commemoration & launch of DREAMS initiative pic.twitter.com/Q0tPRTibNu
— The First Lady Kenya (@FirstLadyKenya) December 1, 2015
Sports have been identified as a way of the avenues that can be used to help in communicating the HIV and Aids message. Football is one of the games and there were competing teams at City Stadium who were keen to deliver the message through the game.
NACC Director Dr Kilonzo receiving the official #WAD2015KE Flag at City Stadium. Getting to Zero needs commitment. pic.twitter.com/UsEIcbH7I5
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
The First Lady awards winners of Maisha Football Tournament during #WorldAIDSDay commemoration & launch of DREAMS. pic.twitter.com/rsmNKiryfY
— The First Lady Kenya (@FirstLadyKenya) December 1, 2015
The first lady who has been very vocal when it comes to maternal and infant health was also made an ambassador during the event.
The First Lady is appointed DREAMS initiative Goodwill Ambassador during #WorldAIDSDay commemoration. pic.twitter.com/9ud24SqCLs
— The First Lady Kenya (@FirstLadyKenya) December 1, 2015
US Ambassador Robert Godec who was at the event said eliminating the HIV threat is possible. He said the stakeholders need to re-commit and end AIDS.
‘Imagine the elimination of HIV & AIDS in Kenya forever. Such a future is close at hand now’ @USEmbassyKenya #WAD2015KE
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
Godec:HIV transcends all races,religion,boarders.On WAD we are called to re-commit to achieve AIDS free generation#WAD2015KE @PSCU_Digital
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
‘HIV & AIDS is like a war, it’s like a world war killing millions. It cannot be business as usual. We must Get to Zero! @USEmbassyKenya
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
Godec:Kenya is on the right path to end AIDS.The US has been & continues to be a partner in the HIV response particular Treatment #WAD2015KE
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
And some good news from Godec,
Godec:Kenya will recieve 4B to fight HIV and AIDS among young pple under @PEPFAR.
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
‘Prejudice n discrimination erode the HIV treatment that we extend to vulnerable people in society’ @BobGodec @USEmbassyKenya
— NACC_Kenya (@NACC_Kenya) December 1, 2015
Despite the statistics showing that the demographics getting new infections are changing, there is still hope that the country will manage to eliminate the virus in the near future. This hope is however pegged on behavioral change among the most at risk populations.
let everyone play their role to eradicate and curb the spread.