AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) calls for greater access to HIV and STI testing and treatment in Kenya
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called for sustained access to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention, testing and treatment services in Kenya, saying sexual health should remain part of the country's broader health agenda.
The call comes as Kenya joins the world in marking World Sexual Health Day, observed annually on September 4.
According to the Kenya 2026 HIV Estimates, approximately 1,481,853 people are living with HIV in Kenya, while an estimated 13,936 new HIV infections and 19,434 AIDS-related deaths occur annually. The national HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 is estimated at 3.22%
AHF says the figures demonstrate the importance of sustaining the gains made in Kenya's HIV response while ensuring prevention, testing and treatment services remain accessible to people who need them.
The organisation has also highlighted sexually transmitted infections as an ongoing sexual and reproductive health concern, noting that many STIs can occur without visible symptoms, potentially resulting in people unknowingly transmitting infections or delaying treatment.
AHF says more than one million STIs are acquired globally every day, with syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis continuing to affect millions of people each year.
This situation to them is attributed to several factors, including declining global health funding and reduced access to condoms and routine screening, which it says could contribute to rising STI rates.
“Sexual health deserves the same investment and urgency as any other part of a person's health care,” said Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy, Policy and Marketing.
Ford said AHF's experience shows that testing, treatment and access to condoms are among the measures that can help address sexual health challenges.
AHF is calling for expanded routine screening for HIV, syphilis and other STIs, particularly among pregnant women and people considered to be at higher risk.
The organisation is also advocating for continued access to free or low-cost condoms and other prevention services as thei maintain the need to intergrate HIV and STI services so that people can access testing, treatment and prevention services during a single visit without facing judgement or stigma.
For Kenya, AHF says maintaining accessible sexual health services will be important in protecting the progress already made in the HIV response.
The organisation says prevention efforts should continue alongside treatment, with communities having access to accurate information, condoms, testing and timely care.
Through its “Syphilis Is Serious: It's Curable. Get Tested.” campaign, “Just Use It!” condom advocacy initiative and AHF Wellness Center model, the organisation says it continues to promote access to testing, treatment and stigma-free sexual health services in countries where it operates.
AHF says World Sexual Health Day is a reminder that sexual health is closely linked to overall health and well-being and says it will continue advocating for testing, treatment and prevention services to reach everyone.
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