Stakeholders call for renewed efforts to end the Triple Threat

Calls for a more deliberate, inclusive, multisectoral approach to fight the Triple Threat dominated the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council session during the Devolution Conference, 2025 in Homabay County which concluded recently. In partnership with other organizations, NSDCC held a Side Event themed “Accelerating County-led Solutions to End the Triple Threat of New HIV Infections, Unintended Pregnancies, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence among Adolescents and Young People” to renew her efforts against these issues.

The session took place against the backdrop of a global shift in health financing, with unpredictable funding models that threaten to reverse progress in the HIV response. Despite significant advances over the past decade, Kenya continues to grapple with a disturbing rise in cases related to the Triple Threat: new HIV infections, mistimed pregnancies, and SGBV among the youth. Experts warn that this trend could jeopardize the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, especially as programs resources dwindle.

NSDCC used the Side Event to mobilize county governments and partners to reinforce their commitment to combating the Triple Threat. County governments are well-positioned to lead accelerated actions, as outlined in the Kenya commitment plan, which emphasizes a multisector-led approach to address these issues at the community level. Elgeyo Marakwet Governor, Wisley Rotich acknowledged this urging other county leaders to invest in programs targeting vulnerable youth.

“We fully understand where the problem is. We now need to invest in result-oriented programs with speed to address this challenge among young people. We can’t do business as usual when a country records 54 new HIV infections, 4,633 adolescent pregnancies, and 334 SGBV cases among adolescents aged 10-19 years weekly,” he said.

Nominated Sen. Catherine Mumma, echoing his concerns, called for a review of education policies to allow the reintroduction of sex education in schools.

“It’s unfortunate that sex education is banned in schools, leaving children to seek information online. We must urgently rethink our policies to reintroduce sex education in schools,” she stated.

While advocating strict punishment for perpetrators, the Senator emphasized that adolescent pregnancy is a form of defilement and a criminal offense punishable under the law.

NSDCC Acting CEO, Douglas Bosire highlighted the heavy burden of HIV among young people who account for nearly half of the total infections recorded in 2023. Bosire noted that the Council has observed a concerning trend of new infections among youths aged 15-24 years, representing 41% of new HIV cases, while 660 young girls aged 10-19 years in Kenya seek antenatal care daily. He emphasized that this situation demands an urgent multisectoral response to address the crisis.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Sheikh, Director General National Council for Population and Development, urged stakeholders to support the government’s 100% school transition program by helping children to stay in school and pursue their dreams. He pointed out that the economic loss and burden caused by girls dropping out of school due to the Triple Threat is substantial often depriving young people of opportunities to explore and succeed in life.

Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, Country Director- AIDS Healthcare Foundation called for sustainable funding mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted service delivery at facilities and the provision of services amid a shrinking donor envelope.

“To sustain access to condoms and self-test kits, we must ensure fair pricing since free distribution alone cannot meet the national demand,” said Dr. Kinyanjui.

Brian Rettmann, PEPFAR Country Coordinator, speaking at the Side Event, welcomed the conversation on sustainable health financing that aligns with the country’s health priorities to cushion the country against regression while safeguarding the gains made against the HIV response.

NSDCC has been coordinating the Triple Threat campaign through a multi-sectoral approach as it races against time to end AIDS by 2030.