Murang’a County marked World AIDS Day 2024 with a renewed call for intensified community involvement in the fight to end HIV by 2030. The event, held at Makuyu Primary School in Murang’a South, brought together county officials, health workers, civil society groups and residents to amplify awareness on prevention, testing and treatment. Health leaders used the platform to highlight the county’s progress, ongoing challenges and the urgent need to place men and boys at the centre of HIV prevention efforts.
Murang’a County Director of Health, Dr. James Mburu, led the address, underscoring the importance of achieving the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. He noted that while the county has made progress, new infections—especially among young people—remain a concern. Dr. Mburu said stigma, reduced donor funding and the poor health-seeking behaviour among men continue to frustrate the fight against HIV. He urged men and boys to get tested, seek prompt medical attention and take advantage of available prevention tools, especially as cases of substance abuse and mental health struggles rise among the male population.
County AIDS and STIs Control Officer (CASCO), David Kinyanjui, echoed these concerns, revealing that 35 percent of new adult HIV infections in Murang’a occur among youths aged 15 to 24. He emphasized the need for consistent sexual health education and encouraged young people to embrace prevention options including abstinence, proper condom use, and access to PrEP and PEP. Officials also warned that tackling HIV cannot be separated from addressing the rising triple threat of gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies and new infections, urging communities to work collectively to protect vulnerable groups.
The event, themed It’s a Race Against Time: Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Men and Boys, concluded with a community road race—either a 10-kilometre run or a 2-kilometre family fun walk—symbolizing the joint push towards an HIV-free Murang’a. With a county HIV prevalence of 1.4 percent, below the national average, health officials said Murang’a has the potential to achieve significant progress if stakeholders remain united. The county pledged to strengthen awareness campaigns and prepare for a future where HIV programmes rely more on local funding as donor support continues to decline.