The Principal Secretary in the ministry of health Susan Mochache says over 1.3 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the country revealing that Kenya spends up to Ksh25 billion every year on the management of the disease.
Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Mochache further explained that, from government statistics, 18 minors are infected with the disease every day.
"The burden of managing this condition is so huge for the government. 25 billion shillings is a lot of money, it can feed the whole nation," Mochache said.
The PS said it is worrying that over 5,000 children below 18 years die every year from HIV/AIDS-related complications.
"Imagine, 18 minors are infected with the disease every day. COVID-19 killed five thousand people in a span of three years, but HIV/AIDS kills 5,000 children every year" she said.
She cautioned youths in the country to be more careful and responsible.
"Youths have been saying that even if they're infected with the disease, they will use ARVs and live a normal life. This mindset is a big threat to our future because we shall lose many youths," Mochache cautioned.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National AIDs Control Council, Ruth Masha said most of the cases among children are attributed to Gender and Sexual based violence.
She called for concerted efforts to tame the triple threats of HIV/AIDS, Sexual and Gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies.
"We need all of us in the fight against these vices. It should concern all of us because they affect us in society," Masha said.
