As Kenya marks World Sexual Health Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is calling for sustained investment in HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, testing, and treatment. The organization warns that sexual health must remain a central part of Kenya's broader public health agenda. Kenya has made significant progress in responding to HIV, expanding access to testing and life-saving treatment.
According to the Kenya 2026 HIV Estimates by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), approximately 1.48 million people are living with HIV in Kenya. The country records an estimated 13,936 new HIV infections and 19,434 AIDS-related deaths annually. National HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 is estimated at 3.22 per cent. These figures highlight the importance of protecting the gains Kenya has made in its HIV response.
AHF says maintaining accessible sexual health services is critical, particularly at a time when declining global health funding could threaten programmes that have helped millions of people access essential care. Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy, Policy and Marketing, emphasizes that sexual health deserves the same investment and urgency as any other part of a person's health care. The organization knows what works, including testing, treatment, and condoms.
Beyond HIV, other sexually transmitted infections remain a major sexual and reproductive health concern. Many STIs do not immediately show visible symptoms, meaning infected individuals may unknowingly transmit infections or delay seeking treatment. Globally, more than one million sexually transmitted infections are acquired every day, with infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis continuing to affect millions of people annually.
For Kenya, strengthening sexual health services means ensuring that people have access to accurate information, preventive tools, testing, and timely treatment. AHF is advocating for expanded routine screening for HIV, syphilis, and other STIs, particularly among pregnant women and populations at higher risk of infection. The organisation is also calling for greater integration of HIV and STI services to enable people to access testing, prevention, and treatment in one setting.
Stigma and discrimination continue to present major barriers to sexual health care, often discouraging people from seeking testing or treatment. Creating stigma-free health facilities and communities remains essential in encouraging people to know their status and seek care early. AHF says prevention must continue alongside treatment, with communities having sustained access to condoms, testing services, accurate sexual health information, and timely medical care.
As the world marks World Sexual Health Day, observed annually on September 4, the message remains clear: sexual health cannot be separated from overall health and well-being. For Kenya, sustaining progress against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections will depend on continued investment in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. Ensuring that everyone can access sexual health services without fear or judgement will be critical to building a healthier society.
Key points
- AHF calls for sustained investment in HIV and STI prevention, testing, and treatment in Kenya.
- 1.48 million people are living with HIV in Kenya, with 13,936 new infections and 19,434 AIDS-related deaths annually.
- Stigma-free health facilities and communities are essential in encouraging people to seek sexual health care.
