Rising HIV Infections Among Adolescents and Young People: A Call to Action

The Current Situation

Kenya continues to make progress in HIV prevention and treatment, yet adolescents and young people remain disproportionately affected. Recent national data shows that:

• Over 40% of new HIV infections occur among adolescents and young people aged 15–24.

• Nearly 70% of all new infections are among those aged 15–34.

• Young women are particularly vulnerable, facing higher infection rates due to gender inequalities, limited access to sexual health services, and socio-economic pressures.

This trend is alarming because it places the country’s most energetic and economically active population at risk, threatening both public health and national development.

Why Adolescents and Young People Are at Risk

• Limited access to youth-friendly health services that respect confidentiality.

• Low uptake of preventive measures such as condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

• Stigma and discrimination that discourage testing and treatment.

• Gender-based violence and exploitation, which increase vulnerability among adolescent girls.

• Gaps in comprehensive sexuality education, leaving many young people without the knowledge to protect themselves.

The Role of OPDs in HIV Response

Persons with disabilities, especially young people, face double vulnerability: the risk of HIV infection and the barriers created by disability-related stigma and inaccessible health services. This is why Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) must be actively involved in HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

Why OPD Involvement Matters

• Inclusive Prevention: OPDs can ensure HIV awareness campaigns are accessible (sign language, braille, easy-to-read formats).

• Accessible Services: They advocate for health facilities to be physically accessible and disability-sensitive.

• Peer Support: OPDs provide safe spaces where young people with disabilities can share experiences and receive guidance.

• Policy Influence: Their voices strengthen advocacy for inclusive national HIV strategies.

• Community Trust: OPDs are rooted in local communities, making them effective partners in mobilizing youth.

🛠 What Needs to Be Done

1. Scale up youth-friendly HIV services that are inclusive of disability needs.

2. Integrate OPDs into national HIV prevention programs to ensure no young person is left behind.

3. Expand comprehensive sexuality education in schools and communities.

4. Strengthen mother-to-child prevention programs to reduce infections among infants.

5. Invest in stigma reduction campaigns to encourage testing and treatment uptake.

Call to Action

At DASK, we believe that ending HIV among adolescents and young people requires inclusive action. By involving OPDs in prevention, treatment, and care, Kenya can build a stronger, more equitable HIV response that protects all young people—regardless of ability.

Together, we can ensure that the next generation grows up healthier, empowered, and free from HIV.