Ms. Halima Dahir, a representative from the National Syndemic Diseases
Control Council (NSDCC)./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Participants during World AIDs Day at Wajir ICT Hall./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Participants during World AIDS Day at Wajir ICT Hall./STEPHEN ASTARIKOStakeholders in Wajir are calling for intensified awareness campaigns and stronger collaboration among all actors to curb the growing number of new HIV infections in the region.
Speaking on Monday, December 1, during World AIDS Day commemorations held at the ICT Hall, health officials, civil society groups, youth representatives, and community leaders urged immediate and coordinated action to prevent further escalation.
They warned that the predominantly Muslim county faces unique social and cultural barriers that could undermine progress.
The town’s rapidly changing demographics, increasing drug use among youths, and erosion of traditional norms were highlighted as major drivers of new infections.
Hassan Mohamed, a health official, said the situation is worrying and called for bolder campaigns to accelerate progress toward eliminating AIDS in the next four years.
“We are witnessing changes in lifestyle and behavior that were not common here before. If we do not strengthen HIV education, testing, and prevention efforts right now, the situation could worsen,” Hassan said.
According to county health data, 362 individuals are currently on antiretroviral therapy, including 32 children.
However, public health activists believe the true figure may be higher due to low uptake of voluntary HIV testing, with many residents reluctant to know their status.
“We should address these concerns. We need to step up our campaigns, and we need to come together as stakeholders,” said Ms. Halima Dahir, a representative from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).
“It is better if everyone in our community does the test. The community has a perception that the disease is a killer, but I am living with it for 18 years,” said Amina Abdi, who is living with AIDS.
County government representatives, led by the CECM for Health Services, Ms. Saadia Ahmed Abdi, praised recent progress in HIV interventions.
She outlined improvements achieved over the past few years.
“Despite our unique challenges, Wajir County has made significant progress in HIV testing, treatment, and awareness. HIV testing coverage increased from 38% in 2022 to 66% in 2024,” she said.
She added that thousands of residents have undergone voluntary HIV testing across the county, contributing to national efforts to end the epidemic by 2030.
“We have targeted 28,000 people for HIV testing in 2025,” she said.
The county has also strengthened community campaigns aimed at improving viral suppression rates. Ms. Saadia said the progress is largely due to robust adherence support and expanded outreach efforts.
“We have improved viral suppression rates due to strong adherence support. We have expanded awareness in schools, mosques, madrassas, and community forums to reduce stigma. These achievements confirm that epidemic control is attainable,” she said.
Several speakers noted that the “Triple Threat”—new HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence—continues to disproportionately affect adolescents and young people.
They said this remains one of the county’s biggest obstacles to achieving national HIV goals.
“We are strengthening youth-friendly services, expanding school health education, improving SGBV response mechanisms, and working closely with community and religious institutions to ensure young people are protected, informed, and supported,” Ms. Saadia said.
The event underscored the vital role of community involvement in reducing new infections and ending AIDS. People living with HIV shared personal testimonies to dispel myths, correct misinformation, and challenge persistent stigma.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge to strengthen partnerships and sustain year-round community engagement in the fight against HIV.
