Kenya has recorded a sharp fall in HIV/AIDS-related deaths over the past decade, with new data showing a 64 percent decline, largely supported by sustained Global Fund investment and expanded access to antiretroviral treatment.
The Global Fund reports that deaths linked to Aids dropped from 58,000 in 2010 to 21,000 in 2024.
This outcome reflects major progress in prevention, treatment, and care services, bolstered by the $1.1 billion (about Sh142.2 billion) the Global Fund has channeled into Kenya between 2002 and 2024.
The funds have supported medication, diagnostics, prevention drives, and stronger community health systems. During this period, new HIV infections fell by nearly 80 percent, while the number of people receiving treatment more than doubled.
The HIV incidence rate has dropped steeply, from 1.8 per 1,000 people in 2010 to 0.4 in 2024.
Prevention measures such as behaviour change communication, voluntary male circumcision, condom distribution, and pre-exposure prophylaxis have played a key role in cutting transmission.
The Global Fund further noted that public awareness of HIV status is now almost universal.
Testing levels have risen steadily, with 87 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status in 2015, compared to 97 percent in 2024.
Expanded access to treatment has been equally striking, rising from 37 percent in 2010 to 81 percent in 2024.
This has enabled millions to live healthier and more productive lives.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya has surpassed the UNAIDS 98-98-94 targets by the close of 2024, with over 1.36 million people living with HIV receiving treatment.
“Kenya has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/Aids. Ninety-eight percent of people living with HIV are aware of their status and are receiving treatment, and 94 percent have achieved viral suppression,” said Dr Patrick Amoth, the Director General of Health.
Officials say the steady decline in infections and deaths is expected to ease future pressure on the healthcare system and bring the country closer to achieving epidemic control.
