Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at the five-day medical camp in Garissa County on June 13, 2025/MOH/X
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged the Garissa County community to work together in eradicating the “Triple Threat” of new HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and teenage pregnancies by 2027.
Duale was speaking at the close of a five-day free medical camp held at the Regional Police Training College in Garissa. The initiative, organised by the Administration Police Service in partnership with the County Government, aimed to improve access to quality healthcare through general medical services, wellness check-ups, and health education.
“This free medical camp is designed to accelerate access to effective and quality healthcare services,” said Duale.
As part of the outreach, the CS is expected to raise awareness about Kenya’s Taifa Care Model, facilitate registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), and officially launch digital health services in the region.
“These are major health sector reforms undertaken by the Ministry to strengthen Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” he noted.
Duale was accompanied by senior officials, including Director General for Health Patrick Amoth, SHA representative Mercy Mwangangi, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, and acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency Anthony Lenaiyara.
He was hosted by Garissa County leaders, including Governor Nathif Jama and Senator Abdulkadir Haji.
Kenya’s efforts to combat gender-based violence have recently drawn recognition on the international stage. On April 24, 2025, Dora Kanabahita, a Research and Knowledge Expert at the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) – Regional Training Facility (RTF), commended the country’s legal framework and practices.
“In Kenya, you have good, comprehensive laws—those on witness protection, the prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation, and laws guiding care services,” she said. “Going forward, there are lessons we can learn from each member state.”
With the Ministry of Health continuing to roll out its reform agenda, Duale has called for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing health-related social challenges, with an emphasis on vulnerable groups such as women, children, and adolescents.
In February 2024, under then CS Susan Nakhumicha, the Ministry unveiled a plan aimed at eliminating the Triple Threat by 2027. At the time, the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) highlighted the urgency of tackling the issue, noting its adverse impact on Kenya’s fight against the HIV pandemic.
The Council identified GBV and teenage pregnancy as factors that increase vulnerability to HIV.
Kenya’s commitments under the ICPD25 include enhancing health standards for adolescents and youth through comprehensive action on the Triple Threat. With sustained collaboration, the country aims to build a healthier and more empowered future.
