As per the National Syndemic Disease Control Council 2021 report, Kenya recorded 34,540 new HIV infections, signifying a 7.3 percent increase after nearly a decade of declining new infections curve. Women recorded a high number of the new infections at 66.7 percent compared to men who accounted for 33.3 percent. About 17,961 adolescents and young adults aged 15-29 were reported to have tested positive for HIV in 2021, with this age group bearing the burden of new infections at 52 percent. 98 new infections were reported among adolescents aged 10-19 every week.
In HEDSO's targeted 10 counties (Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Migori, Homa Bay, Kwale, and Tana River), the HIV burden is particularly acute. Kisumu recorded 3,118 new infections and Homa Bay at 2,696, with several counties reporting shortages of condoms and ARVs. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), counties like Homa Bay recorded a teenage pregnancy rate of 33%, placing it among the highest in the country. The "sex-for-fish" practice (Jaboya system) in Lake Victoria fishing communities exposes AGYWs to heightened risk of HIV, GBV, and economic exploitation.
Kenya has made significant investments to ensure adolescents and young people are educated, enjoy a healthy life and attain their aspirations. However, the overlapping challenges of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, mental health crises, and limited access to youth-friendly SRHR services undermine this investment's impact. HEDSO's HEAL-WELL pillar aims to reach 100,000 AGYW, youth, and PWDs across 10 counties with comprehensive, inclusive, and culturally sensitive health services by 2030.
To achieve this goal, HEDSO will implement evidence-based comprehensive age-appropriate sexuality education through school and community outreaches, establish youth- and disability-friendly service delivery points, train 10,500 Community Health Promoters, strengthen 1,000 peer educators, deploy mobile clinics to remote Sugar-belt and fishing communities, launch digital GBV response platforms, and conduct targeted stigma reduction campaigns. These interventions address the root causes of vulnerability while ensuring equitable access to integrated primary health care, mental wellness, and SRHR services for marginalized populations.
| Goal: Contribute to reduced new HIV infections and improved SRHR outcomes among AGYW, youth, and PWDs in 10 targeted counties by 2030. | |
|---|---|
| OBJECTIVES | EXPECTED OUTCOMES BY 2030 |
| Increase access to integrated primary health care services by establishing at least one youth- and disability-friendly service delivery point in each sub-county of targeted 10 counties. | ✅ At least 1 functional youth- & disability-friendly service delivery point in each sub-county (100% coverage). ✅ 50% increase in service utilization by youth & PWDs compared to baseline. ✅ 80% client satisfaction rate among youth & PWDs accessing services. ✅ Policy adoption and institutionalization of youth- & disability-friendly standards. |
| Strengthen capacity of 1,000 young community health champions and peer educators on delivering inclusive and culturally sensitive health education and psychosocial support. | ✅ 1,000 peer educators and champions trained with 80% showing improved scores in pre/post-tests. ✅ At least 5,000 outreach/education sessions conducted. ✅ 60% of champions actively engaged in community initiatives 2+ years after training. ✅ 70% of beneficiaries report increased awareness of SRHR, mental health, and disability-inclusive services. |
| Improve early detection and management of health conditions by integrating routine screening for mental health wellness and SRHR needs into at least 60% of primary health care facilities. | ✅ 60% of PHC facilities in target counties with routine screening integrated. ✅ 30% increase in service uptake among AGYWs, youth & PWDs. ✅ Reduction in undiagnosed/untreated mental health & SRHR conditions. ✅ 75% client satisfaction rate with services. |
| Develop and roll out youth-friendly digital GBV response, health education, and referral platform reaching at least 1 million young people. | ✅ Functional digital platform with 1 million unique youth users. ✅ 60% of users report increased knowledge of SRHR, mental health, and physical wellness. ✅ 40% of users utilize referral services through the platform. ✅ Reduction in misinformation on SRHR and mental health among target youth. |
| Reduce stigma, stereotypes, and discrimination around mental health and SRHR through targeted community awareness campaigns and stakeholder dialogues. | ✅ At least 1,000 community awareness campaigns conducted across 10 counties. ✅ 5,000 young religious and cultural leaders engaged as health champions. ✅ 60% reduction in stigma and discrimination scores among AGYW and PWDs (baseline vs. endline). ✅ 50% increase in equitable access to SRHR and mental health services across 10 counties. |