Mother-to-child HIV transmission drops in Kwale

Mother-to-child HIV transmission cases have reduced in Kwale County, according to a county health report.

According to County Coordinator HIV/AIDs and Sexually Related Diseases Nana Mafimbo, the cases have gone down in 10 years.

The cases have plummeted from 638 in 2013 to 231 in 2023.

She said at the end of October, 421 out of 427 HIV-positive mothers had delivered HIV-negative babies.

Mafimbo said HIV deaths have also reduced from 910 in 2013 to 269 in 2023.

However, infection rates among youth of age 18-25 years are still high with a total of 14, 300 Kwale residents being under HIV treatment of which 2000 are adolescents and young people below 25 years.

Mafimbo said the decline in HIV mother-to-child infections and general transmission is due to improved healthcare services in the region.

"The curving HIV infection graph is a result of quality healthcare services and availability of HIV testing, ARVs, counselling and safe delivery for HIV-positive mothers," she said.

Mafimbo said the county has moved to construct over 167 healthcare facilities compared to 67 before the devolution.

She said the facilities have made easy access to drugs, treatment and advanced preventive measures through awareness campaigns at the grassroots levels.

Mafimbo, however, urged the community to get tested and those living with HIV to take their medication for a healthy lifestyle.

"I advise you to do regular checkups and start early treatment because an undetectable viral load is untransmittable," she said.

Mafimbo made the statement while commemorating World Aids Day at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Friday.

Governor Fatuma Achani who chaired the event advised people to be faithful and God-fearing to curb HIV infections.

She said people especially the youth to be vigilant and abstain from sexual activities before marriage.

Achani said having sex with multiple partners and living a reckless life increases the chances of HIV infections.

The governor also emphasized those who are already infected to be mindful of others and not spread the disease knowingly.

She said the county has enough medicine and health facilities to support the infected victims and minimize the spread of the disease.

"My administration has prioritized matters of health including supply of necessary equipment and drugs to cater for all kinds of sickness," she said.