Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha, CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), has praised young people living with HIV for accelerating progress towards ending AIDS in Kenya through the Operation Triple Zero campaign. This initiativeโfocused on achieving Zero missed appointments, Zero missed doses, and Zero viral loadโserves as an empowering communication strategy for adolescents and young living with HIV to adhere to lifelong antiretroviral therapy.
Speaking at the second National Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) Conference, Dr. Masha addressed the early challenges the country faced in accessing diagnosis and treatment. She acknowledged the significant advancements made in HIV treatment and emphasized the critical importance of adhering to treatment regimens to eliminate the disease. She also commended the dedicated scientists who have committed their lives to combatting HIV.
Dr. Masha emphasized that the initiative, which began in Kenya and has been implemented in other countries, is more than just a campaign; it is a vital program that impacts the lives of people living with HIV by prioritizing healthcare and reducing stigma.
She expressed concern over ongoing interruptions in HIV treatment, revealing that more than 100,000 people interrupted their treatment in 2022. Dr. Masha called on Kenyans to provide social and economic support to help those living with HIV adhere to their treatment.
Additionally, she urged participants to enrol in the new social health insurance scheme to promote access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans. Dr Masha reminded the HIV community that the inclusion of a comprehensive HIV service package in the social health insurance system is part of the rights-based approach to healthcare enshrined in the constitution. “We need to rise up, live healthy, and support each other, particularly those with children,” she stated.
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Rose Wafula, Head of NASCOP, who commended young people for co-creating such a successful initiative with the Ministry of Health. She noted that the OTZ movement serves as a lesson for other government agencies on how to effectively engage with young people.
Esther Passaris, the Nairobi Woman Representative, gracing the occasion, highlighted the need to build on community-led initiatives to improve HIV treatment adherence for all Kenyans living with HIV.
The conference was convened by the Ministry of Health through NASCOP supported by Center for International Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB)-Kenya, with funding from the CDC.
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