Principal Secretary Harry Kimutai Welcomes UNAIDS Delegation ahead of Key Global HIV/AIDS Meeting

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 – 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, welcomed a high-level delegation from the UNAIDS Secretariat during a courtesy call on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. 

The meeting marked a significant step in preparing for the upcoming 55th Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) meeting of UNAIDS, set to be held in Nairobi from December 10-12, 2024. 

The meeting was attended by Morten Ussing, UNAIDS Director of Governance, UNAIDS Country Director Dr. Medhin Tsehaiu, CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha, and other key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health. 

During the meeting, Mr. Kimtai expressed Kenya's honor in hosting this important global event, the first of its kind to be held on the African continent in 18 years. He highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between Kenya and UNAIDS, which has been instrumental in bolstering the country’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

"Kenya takes pride in our robust and resilient response to HIV/AIDS, which has given new hope and life to millions of people infected or affected by the virus," said Mr. Kimtai. He noted that since the first HIV case was officially recorded in Kenya 40 years ago, the country has made remarkable strides in combating the epidemic. 

Over the past decade, new HIV infections have decreased by 83%, from 101,448 cases in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023. Additionally, AIDS-related mortality has declined by 65%, from 58,446 deaths in 2013 to 20,478 in 2023. The number of Kenyans on antiretroviral therapy (ART) also saw a significant increase, more than doubling from 656,369 in 2013 to 1,337,000 in 2023. 

Mr. Kimtai attributed these achievements to the strong collaboration with UNAIDS and the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders. "This commendable progress would not have been possible without a strong UN Joint Programme that galvanizes nations and people worldwide to take decisive action," he emphasized. 

Despite these successes, the PS acknowledged that the battle against HIV/AIDS is far from over. He underscored the importance of UNAIDS' role in rallying global support, coordinating efforts among donor and program countries, communities, and philanthropists to sustain and enhance the fight against the epidemic. As the current Chair of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to supporting UNAIDS initiatives. 

He announced the establishment of a steering committee, chaired by himself and composed of representatives from various government ministries, departments, agencies, development and implementing partners, and communities. This committee will guide the planning process for the upcoming PCB meeting.