NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya joined the global community on Sunday to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024, shining a spotlight on the health and well-being of men and boys living with HIV.
The day’s centerpiece? A vibrant half marathon organized by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC), featuring races tailored for inclusivity and awareness.
The event included five races: the Wheelchair Race, Half Marathon, CEO’s Race, 10 km Run, and a 5 km Family Fun Run. These diverse categories ensured participation across all demographics while reinforcing a unified message of hope and resilience.
Central to this year’s campaign was the global push to end AIDS by 2030, with a focus on early diagnosis and treatment to curb AIDS-related deaths. This mission is particularly crucial for Kenya, where around 487,710 men and boys currently live with HIV.
“We must champion early treatment and community support,” emphasized an NSDCC representative. “Events like this foster unity and amplify life-saving messages.”
The marathon routes wove through iconic Nairobi roads, starting at Nyayo Stadium and covering notable landmarks like Museum Hill and Uhuru Highway.
Participants navigated streets like Kenyatta Avenue and Haile Selassie Street, with other busy arteries like Ragati Road and Lusaka Road temporarily closed to traffic.
Kenya has made remarkable progress in combating HIV/AIDS. Over the last decade, new HIV infections have plummeted by 83pc, dropping from 101,560 in 2013 to just 16,752 in 2023.
Meanwhile, access to antiretroviral therapy has nearly doubled, benefiting over 1.3 million people. AIDS-related deaths have also decreased by 65pc, a testament to the country’s sustained efforts.
Despite these victories, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa acknowledged lingering challenges. Children, adolescents, and young men face a triple threat of HIV, early pregnancies, and gender-based violence, demanding targeted interventions to protect these vulnerable groups.
“This is a fight we cannot afford to slow down,” Dr. Barasa stated. “Every effort counts in ensuring no one is left behind.”
As the races concluded and participants celebrated, the marathon left more than just footprints on the city streets—it reignited a shared commitment to ending HIV/AIDS.
By raising awareness and promoting collective action, Kenya continues to champion a future free of AIDS-related stigma and suffering.
