August 12, 2016

Summary

HIV cases rise amongst young Kenyans. 51% of all HIV new HIV infections are amongst school-age children, a report suggests.

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HIV cases rise amongst young Kenyans

HIV cases rise amongst young Kenyans

HIV prevalence is high among school-going children in the country, accounting for 51 percent of all new HIV infections in the country.

According to a new report released by the National Aids Control Council (NACC) on Wednesday in Mombasa, 98 adolescents get infected every day while 14 die every day from AIDS-related causes.

The report also observes that even though the HIV infections are high among this demographic, knowledge on the disease remains largely low.

“Only one in four adolescents know their HIV status,” said NACC head of technical support Celestine Mugambi,  urging parents to encourage their children to go for testing so that those infected can be put on medication.

She also asked teachers to incorporate a comprehensive HIV education in the curriculum.

The report corresponds  with the findings of a similar study, ADOLESCENT HEALTH AND WELLBEING, which was published as part of a broader survey by the Lancet Commission  in May this year, that  listed AIDS as the number one cause of death and disability among young people in the country between the ages of 10-24 years.

Young people in Nairobi are also reported to be misusing emergency pills (Morning after Pill) with pharmacists saying that Postinor 2 (P2) is the highest-selling drug, especially over the weekends.

‘How to Procure an Abortion’ has also been top on the list of the things Kenyans search for in Google’s ‘How To’ category, year in year out.

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