Registration for the World AIDS Day (WAD) 2025 Half Marathon has officially kicked off in Nairobi, setting the stage for one of the year’s most impactful health advocacy events.
Scheduled for November 30, 2025, the marathon is expected to draw thousands of participants under the rallying call, “One Race; One Goal.”
Speaking during the launch, national and community leaders underscored that the event is far more than a competitive race.
"I assured communities for persons living positively of continued access to services and provision of medicines," Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga said.
He described the event as momentous in the continued work to end AIDS related death by 2030, reduce new HIV infections now affecting young people aged 15 years to 24 years, intensify adherence and suppression and spotlight an end to socially aggravating matters, especially teenage-related pregnancy and gender-based violence.
"The marathon is a powerful national mobilisation platform at a critical moment in the fight against HIV, as Kenya and the global health community intensify efforts to end AIDS-related deaths," he added.
The marathon aims to accelerate several high-priority interventions central to the country’s HIV response.
These include curbing new HIV infections, particularly among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, who remain disproportionately affected.
The initiative will also support ongoing campaigns to strengthen treatment adherence and increase viral suppression rates, factors that are key to preventing further transmission and improving quality of life for people living with HIV.
Leaders further highlighted the need to confront social challenges that continue to exacerbate HIV vulnerabilities.
Issues such as teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence were cited as urgent areas requiring integrated solutions, with the marathon offering an opportunity to raise national awareness and galvanise action.
During the launch, government officials and health partners gave renewed assurances to communities of people living with HIV.
They affirmed that access to essential health services, treatment, and life-saving medicines will remain a top priority under the country’s universal health coverage agenda.
The commitment includes strengthening supply chains, improving community-level care, and ensuring uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy across the country.
Organisers anticipate strong participation from elite and amateur athletes, civil society organisations, youth groups, healthcare professionals, and HIV advocates.
The event is expected to serve as both a unifying moment and a public reminder that achieving an AIDS-free generation requires the contribution and solidarity of all Kenyans.
World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1st, commemorates lives lost to AIDS, celebrates progress driven by science and community resilience, and reaffirms the commitment to ending the epidemic.
This year’s half marathon not only adds a dynamic dimension to the national commemoration but also symbolises a collective stride toward a future where HIV no longer threatens lives, families, or communities.
By blending sport with social responsibility, Kenya hopes the 2025 WAD Half Marathon will inspire renewed momentum, and help carry the country closer to the finish line in the fight against HIV.
Registration is now open at https://wad.nsdcc.go.ke/
