Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a clarion call to communities in Garissa County to unite in confronting what he termed the “Triple Threat” facing young people new HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and teenage pregnancies.
During his Friday visit to Garissa, where a five-day free medical camp is ongoing, Duale urged local leaders, parents, and youth to step up in creating a safer, healthier future. The goal? To significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate these pressing health and social challenges by 2027.
“Protecting our youth from HIV, early pregnancy, and violence is not just a health issue it’s a moral and national duty,” Duale said. “We cannot sit back as our children are robbed of their future.”
Kenya currently ranks seventh globally in HIV prevalence, with around 1.4 million citizens living with the virus. While 90% of them are receiving treatment, the surge in new infections particularly among adolescents has sparked national concern.
In response, the Ministry of Health has intensified its campaign to curb these threats through targeted youth programs, improved access to sexual and reproductive health services, and robust community awareness efforts. The initiative, launched last year, aims to drastically reduce early and unintended pregnancies and put an end to GBV across the country.
The free medical camp in Garissa, organized by the Administration Police Service in collaboration with the County Government, is part of these broader efforts. It offers residents general medical services, wellness check-ups, and crucial health education, all designed to improve access to quality care in underserved regions.
Beyond the immediate health services, Duale’s visit also marked a major policy push. He used the opportunity to promote the Taifa Care Model, encourage community registration with the new Social Health Authority (SHA), and officially roll out the Ministry’s Digital Health Services a flagship reform supporting Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ambitions.
Duale was joined by a delegation of senior officials including Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Senator Abdulkadir Haji, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, and Digital Health Agency Acting CEO Mr. Anthony Lenaiyara.
