ADVERT 
By Sharon Onyango
Siaya County has intensified its fight against HIV, gender-based violence (GBV), and teenage pregnancy, rolling out a bold youth-centered health campaign aimed at reversing alarming infection rates and empowering the next generation.
According to the latest national HIV estimates, Kenya’s prevalence stands at approximately 3.7%, but Siaya County remains disproportionately affected at 9.8% — nearly three times the national average. The stark disparity has prompted urgent, targeted interventions focusing on adolescents and young people.
In a renewed push, the Siaya County Department of Health, in partnership with TIKO and the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), spearheaded a series of integrated health activities during the launch of the 5th Cultural Week and 3rd Peer Educators Day at Siaya National Polytechnic.
Held under the theme “One Peer, One Voice, One Positive Impact,” the event convened students, healthcare professionals, government agencies, and development partners to champion healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making among youth.
At the heart of the initiative was the “End the Triple Threat” campaign, which addresses the interconnected challenges of HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence. The Department of Health established a comprehensive outreach hub at the institution, offering a wide range of preventive and support services.
Students accessed HIV Testing Services (HTS), including free blood-based testing kits and oral self-test kits, alongside pre- and post-test counseling. The outreach also promoted condom use through distribution drives and awareness sessions, while at-risk individuals were linked to Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for added protection against HIV infection.
Peer-to-peer engagement formed a cornerstone of the campaign, with vibrant interactive sessions led by renowned youth champions, including Stanley Ngara, popularly known as “King Condom,” and menstrual hygiene advocate Samsha. Their candid discussions attracted large student participation, helping to debunk myths and dismantle stigma surrounding HIV prevention and condom use.
Health officials underscored the critical role of youth-led platforms in addressing persistent public health challenges. Zilper Imbuye, PMTCT and VTP Coordinator, emphasized that empowering young people with accurate information and accessible services is key to reducing new infections and improving long-term health outcomes.
“Engaging youth as peer educators creates trust, breaks barriers, and ensures that critical health messages resonate within their communities,” Imbuye noted.
Dr. Ken Oruenjo expressed optimism that sustained community engagement, increased uptake of preventive services, and strengthened collaboration with learning institutions will drive measurable improvements in Siaya’s health indicators.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader national strategy to eliminate new HIV infections and safeguard the wellbeing of adolescents and young people. By equipping youth with knowledge, tools, and leadership opportunities, the campaign aims to nurture a generation of informed champions capable of driving lasting behavioral change.
As Siaya County doubles down on grassroots-driven health interventions, the message is clear: ending the triple threat begins with empowering the youth — one voice, one choice, and one positive impact at a time.
