The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), in collaboration with the Wajir County Government and development partners, has rolled out a high-level awareness campaign to tackle the triple threat of HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and teenage pregnancies.
The sensitization drive, held in Wajir town, brought together health professionals, county and national government officials, civil society actors, and youth and women leaders in a joint call to action against the rising syndemics affecting vulnerable populations across the county.
Speaking during the event, Wajir County Executive Committee Member for Health, Ms Habiba Ali Maalim, noted that although HIV prevalence in the county remains low at 0.2 percent, there is a worrying rise in new infections, especially through mother-to-child transmission.
“To address this, we have operationalized 56 health facilities offering HIV testing services, with current coverage reaching 60 percent,” said CECM Habiba.
“Additionally, the county recently recruited 144 nurses to strengthen HIV testing and counselling, particularly in remote areas.”
Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) for Wajir East, George Onyango, who represented the County Commissioner, issued a stern warning against cultural practices that hinder justice for GBV survivors.
He condemned informal dispute resolutions, commonly referred to as ‘martial law,’ stating they undermine legal frameworks and shield perpetrators.
“This illegal practice endangers victims and will not be tolerated. Chiefs and local administrators are under strict instructions to raise awareness and ensure justice prevails,” said DCC.
NSDCC Acting Chief Executive Officer Douglas Bosire commended Wajir’s proactive efforts, emphasizing the importance of community-driven strategies in low-burden regions such as Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, and Turkana.
“With donor support declining, we must adopt multi-sectoral approaches that involve health workers, youth, cultural elders, and religious leaders. Male involvement in maternal and child health is also crucial in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission,” said Bosire.
He expressed concern over the declining national awareness of HIV prevention, which has dropped from 80 percent in the 1990s to 59 percent, as per the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey.
“In Wajir, knowledge levels stand at a low 29 percent, necessitating urgent information dissemination,” he stated.
NSDCC Chairman Geoffrey Gitu reiterated the Council’s commitment to decentralizing HIV and GBV prevention efforts and called on local leaders and media to champion the campaign at the grassroots level.
“This is a national duty, but more importantly, a community duty. We must own this fight,” he stated.
The Council and County Government pledged to replicate the campaign across all six sub-counties to ensure maximum impact and community reach.
By Hamdi Buthul
