At least 18 minors in Kenya get infected with HIV/AIDS virus every day.
This is according to Principal Secretary in the Ministry of health Susan Mochache
Speaking in Kitale the PS said that over 5,000 children below 18 years die every year from HIV/AIDS-related complications.
Mochache termed the trend as “worrying”
“The burden of managing this condition is so huge for the government. 25 billion shillings is a lot of money, it can feed the whole nation,” Mochache said.
“COVID-19 killed five thousand people in a span of three years, but HIV/AIDS kills 5,000 children every year” she said.
The PS cautioned youth in the country to be more careful and responsible.
“Youths have been saying that even if they’re infected with the disease, they will use ARVs and live a normal life”
“This mindset is a big threat to our future because we shall lose many youths,” Mochache warned.
National AIDs Control Council CEO , Ruth Masha attributes most of the cases among minors to Gender and Sexual based violence.
“We need all of us in the fight against these vices. It should concern all of us because they affect us in society,” Masha said.
17 per cent of new HIV/AIDS infections currently in the country are among those aged between 10 and 19 years.
