Kenya: Government Steps Up Action Against Triple Threat Facing Young People

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Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ending new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence among adolescents and young people.
Dr Oluga made the remarks today during a mentorship and advocacy engagement at Mawego Technical Training Institute in Homa Bay County. The event was presided over by First Lady H.E. Rachel Ruto, EGH, under the Voice of Children Initiative, convened by the Office of the First Lady through the Organization of African First Ladies for Development.
The PS said the three interconnected challenges threaten the health, education, safety and future of young people and require coordinated action as part of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
Adolescents account for about 24 per cent of Kenya’s population, while 59 per cent of Kenyans are below the age of 24. In Homa Bay County, approximately 65 per cent of the population is aged 24 and below, underscoring the need for stronger adolescent-responsive health and protection services.
Dr Oluga said the Government is scaling up prevention and early intervention through Primary Health Care. Community Health Promoters are helping to identify vulnerable adolescents and link them to HIV prevention and testing, sexual and reproductive health services, maternal care and support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
He also highlighted the role of the Social Health Authority in reducing financial barriers to essential maternal health services, particularly for pregnant adolescents.
The PS called for stronger collaboration among healthcare providers, schools, families, communities and government agencies to keep children in school, prevent violence and exploitation, provide accurate health information and ensure vulnerable adolescents receive timely care and protection.
He welcomed the Voice of Children Initiative as an important platform for young people to participate in finding solutions to the issues affecting their health, safety and future.
Also present were Homa Bay Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga; Principal Secretary for Children Services CPA Caren Ageng’o; National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Douglas Bosire; Head of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme Dr Andrew Mulwa; the Homa Bay County Commissioner; senior National and County Government officials; Ministry of Health staff; community leaders; young people and other stakeholders.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.