The role of journalism in advancing Kenya’s response to HIV and other syndemic diseases was celebrated during the inaugural Voices of Impact: HIV & STIs Reporting Media Awards, where journalists from across the country were recognised for outstanding reporting that has informed the public, challenged stigma and strengthened accountability in public health.

Speaking during the awards gala, National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) Chief Executive Officer Douglas O. Bosire described quality journalism as a critical public health intevention, noting that responsible reporting influences behaviour, promotes access to health services and supports evidence-based decision-making.

Bosire observed that Kenya has recorded a 56 per cent reduction in new HIV infections over the past five years but cautioned that progress remains uneven across counties. He noted that adolescents and young people continue to bear a disproportionate burden of new infections, underscoring the need for sustained public awareness and an integrated response to the Triple Threat of new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The awards also recognised outstanding journalists whose reporting has contributed to raising awareness of HIV and other public health issues. Millicent Kubai was named the Overall Winner and received the grand prize of KSh 500,000. Nathan Ochunge was awarded First Runners-up, while Agutu Rosa received the Second Runners-up award and a cash prize of KSh 100,000. The awards also recognised winners across seven reporting categories, reflecting excellence in print, broadcast, digital and emerging journalism.

Bosire called on journalists to continue producing accurate, ethical and stigma-free reporting, emphasizing that the language used in media coverage can influence health-seeking behaviour and improve public understanding of HIV and other syndemic diseases. He also highlighted emerging HIV prevention innovations, including long-acting injectable prevention technologies, noting that scientific advances must be matched by effective public communication to accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.

The awards were organised through a partnership involving AHF Kenya, NSDCC, NASCOP, the Media Council of Kenya, Kusudi Cause Communication, the Kenya Editors’ Guild and the Kenya Union of Journalists to promote excellence in health journalism and strengthen evidence-based reporting on HIV, sexually transmitted infections and broader public health issues.

As the national body mandated to coordinate Kenya’s multisectoral response to HIV and other syndemic diseases, NSDCC reaffirmed its commitment to working with the media as a strategic partner in promoting public awareness, reducing stigma and supporting Kenya’s journey towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.