First Lady Rachel Ruto has unveiled the second phase of a nationwide campaign targeting three major challenges among young people HIV, teenage pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence, collectively known as the “Triple Threat.”
The new phase will cover Samburu, West Pokot, Homa Bay, and Uasin Gishu counties, expanding on work that began in Meru and Narok under the first phase.
The initiative is anchored under the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), where Mrs. Ruto serves on the steering committee. Through the platform, First Ladies across Africa mobilise resources and partnerships to address issues affecting women, youth, and children.
“HIV infections are on the rise. Today, more than 1.3 million Kenyans around three percent of our population are living with the virus,” Mrs. Ruto said at the launch. “But what should concern us most is that in 2024 alone, nearly 20,000 new cases were reported, a 19 percent increase from the previous year. This reverses years of progress.”
She noted that adolescents are carrying the heaviest burden, with more than 80,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 19 living with HIV and in need of lifelong treatment.
The First Lady urged leaders, partners, and communities to speak out and take action to secure the future of children at risk.
The second phase of the programme will focus on closing gaps in the health system by scaling up interventions, reinforcing infrastructure, and deploying trained community health promoters to lead change at the grassroots.
“As we begin this journey in the four counties, I call on all of us to partner with the Ministry of Health and NASCOP to make this initiative a success,” she said.
