In decisive effort to address some of the Kenya’s most persistent social challenges, the West Pokot County Government, through the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), has launched a coordinated drive to end teenage pregnancies, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and the new HIV infections.
The initiative by the First Lady, Rachel Ruto under the Voice of Children Project, is themed: ‘Keeping Dreams Alive: Ending Teenage Pregnancies, HIV, and GBV.’
The stakeholder’s meeting which was convened this week at the County Commissioner’s boardroom in Kapenguria Town, brought together health practitioners with capacity to offer Adolescent and Young People (AYP), friendly services within their health centers.
The stakeholders deliberated on a joint work plan to combat the so-called ‘Triple Threats’.
The Forum emphasized a renewed urgency to strengthen collaboration, accelerate targeted interventions, and align policies that safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly young people.
Speaking during the meeting, Nelly Achokor, the County AIDS and STI Coordinator, called for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy to tackle the threat, noting that the three issues are interlinked and continue to hinder both health and socio-economic development.
“This approach requires collaboration across sectors to empower adolescents, provide education, integrate health services, and address underlying causes such as poverty and harmful cultural norms,” she said.
Citing the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS)2022, Achokor highlighted that teenage pregnancy in Kenya stands at 155 with Samburu (50 percent), West Pokot percent Marsabit (51 percent) Narok (28 percent), and Meru (24%), among the most affected counties.
Achokor emphasized that teenage pregnancy, new HIV infections, and GBV collectively threaten the future of young people.
She also noted that healthcare workers training is ongoing to integrate mental health services into HIV care, reduce stigma, and strengthen GBV response mechanisms.
“We thank the First Lady, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, for supporting this initiative through the Voice of Children Project. Empowered health workers will now be better equipped to reduce cases of triple threats in their line of duty,” Achokor added.
Mburu Muiyuro, the Planning Officer for Health Quality Improvement at NASCOP, reiterated that his visit aimed to sensitize healthcare workers on improving service delivery for adolescents and young people.
“West Pokot is among the counties with high rates of new HIV infections among adolescent and young people. Through this training, we expect health workers to raise awareness, promote mental health, and encourage early testing and treatment, “he said.
“People living with HIV are more vulnerable to depression and anxiety, due to stigma and discrimination. Communities must support them by promoting open conversations and inclusive environments,” he added.
Muiyuro further urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained to their respective health facilities, incorporate the Adolescent and Young People (AYP) agenda, into their annual work plans, and ensure continuous training for staff.
Elvis Wekesa, a nurse from Serewo Health Centre, lauded the training for equipping him with new skills in HIV prevention, GBV response, and teenage pregnancy management.
“Nurses play a crucial role in community education and fighting stigma. With this training, we can better support national efforts to end HIV and tackle the triple threats,” he said.
Another participant, Sarah Ripis, emphasized the importance of nurses in HIV prevention through risk assessment, counselling on safe behaviors, and promoting testing.
“We thanked the Ministry of Health and Her Excellency, Rachel Ruto, for this initiative, which will enhance service delivery and patient care,” Ripis added.
By Anthony Melly
