By Sharon Situate
In Kenya, an alarming surge in HIV infections among adolescents is making the nation’s goal to end AIDS transmission by 2027 a nightmare . Currently ranking seventh globally in the disease burden, the country reports a shocking 248 new infections weekly among adolescents aged 10 to 19, marking a substantial increase from 2021. As the nation focuses on economic pursuits, parents must heed the call for urgent and open conversations with their children.
Due to social- economic reasons, this generation of parents finds itself immersed in the pursuit of financial stability, inadvertently sidelining crucial discussions with their children. The consequences of this neglect are evident as adolescents, in their formative years, navigate this period. This stage demands heightened parental involvement, particularly regarding reproductive health issues, including HIV prevention. While students are in their midterm, it’s crucial for parents to be closer to their children, sharing with them crucial information on sexual and reproductive health ,including HIV prevention.
The statistics reveal a harsh reality – adolescents aged 10 to 24 contribute to 42% of all new adult HIV infections in Kenya. Young women, aged 15 to 24, account for a third of these new infections. Disturbingly, primary platforms for sexual health information include school, TV/radio, and social media. Where are the close family members, parents and guardians who should be more close to the children?
While schools play a vital role, data from UNICEF indicates that only 25% of girls and 17% of boys aged 15-19 in Eastern and Southern Africa have been tested for HIV in the past 12 months. As social media becomes a dominant source of information for Kenyan adolescents (10.1% for females, 10.5% for males), the risk of misinformation looms large, jeopardizing the effectiveness of preventive measures.
As Kenya moves towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the quality of information accessible to adolescents is crucial. Parents must actively engage in conversations, addressing knowledge gaps and providing accurate information on HIV prevention. Data from KDHS 2022 underscores the need for tailored education, particularly for younger adolescents (10-14 years old), where HIV testing rates are notably lower.
The imperative lies in bridging the knowledge gap through open communication. While older adolescents (15-19 years old) receive more sexual reproductive health information, parents must create a safe space for discussions on reproductive health, including HIV prevention.
The rising tide of HIV infections among adolescents in Kenya demands immediate attention. Parents must recognize their pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of the younger generation. As the nation strives to achieve zero HIV infections by 2027, timely and accurate information must reach adolescents. Without a concerted effort to educate our children, the goal remains elusive, and the consequences of inaction are dire.
We need to prioritize the future of our nation, and engage in meaningful conversations that will empower our children to make informed decisions, safeguarding their health and well-being. The journey to zero HIV infections begins at home, and every parent plays an indispensable role in steering the nation towards a healthier and more resilient future.
Sharon Sitati, is a Youth Advocate
