Kenya has been elected as the Chair of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for the year 2024.
This new development happened during the 53rd UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland.
This role places Kenya at the forefront of critical decision-making processes on both local and international fronts in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS.
The election reflects the confidence of the global community in Kenya’s ability to effectively respond to the challenges posed by the epidemic.
Kenya’s new leadership role comes at a crucial juncture as social and structural barriers persist, contributing to the increased vulnerability of HIV infections, particularly among adolescent girls and young women.
Representing the office of the Ministry of Health at the event was Ruth Laibon-Masha of the Kenya National Syndemic Diseases Control Council.
She highlighted the nation’s dedication to championing inclusivity in the pursuit of a future where HIV/AIDS no longer poses a threat to communities.
Minister of Health, CS Nakhumicha S. Wafula, in a statement on X emphasized the imperative for deliberate prevention efforts and a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving AIDS in communities.
“We must, therefore, put deliberate prevention efforts by improving our understanding of factors that are a cause and driver of AIDS in our communities for us to achieve the collective goal to end AIDS by 2030.
As we embrace the responsibility to drive this impactful change, we will intensify prevention efforts, expand access to treatment, activate awareness and sensitization campaigns as well as champion inclusively as we focus on building a future where HIV/AIDs is not a threat to our communities,” CS Nakhumicha S.Wafula wrote.
