Kenya has committed to end HIV and AIDS as a public health threat and teenage pregnancies by 2030 and gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual violence, by 2026. However, the overlapping challenge of new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence among young people, known as the “Triple Threat,” impedes progress towards achievement of the goals. Additionally, these challenges presents a complex web of vulnerabilities and profoundly impact health, population, and development, including education, economic opportunities, and the overall well-being of adolescent girls.
The National Syndemic Diseases and Control Council (NSDCC), in conjunction with National Council of Population and Development (NCPD), Ministry of Interior and National Administration and other Government Ministries, agencies, County Governments, partners and stakeholders held a National Dialogue on ending the Triple Threat and underscored the need for a sustained multi-sectoral collaboration, effective coordination, and resources to address underlying inequalities, including policy gaps, social, economic, legal and cultural factors to achieve the desired results.
Through whole Government Approach, tremendous milestones have been achieved including: Formation of a multisectoral National Thematic Group to coordinate the implementation of the resolutions; Development of the Triple Threat training manual and information handbook for use by the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), community Health Volunteers(CHVs), and other Community Gatekeepers; Integration of monitoring systems for tracking and reporting of the triple threat interventions, Development and validation of commitment plan by ministries, departments, Agencies and Civil Societies on ending the triple threat, training of master trainers and sensitization of over 101, 000 Community Gatekeepers across 25 Counties on preventing and addressing the triple threat at the community level.
Triple threat community sensitization meeting in Samburu CEO, NSDCC in various triple community sensitization meetings
These efforts are geared towards empowering the adolescents and young people while protecting them from inequalities and other health and social vulnerabilities that hinder them from realizing their full potential. The Triple Threat can be overcome through collective action and commitment, paving the way for a healthier, safer, and more empowered future for all.