Ten counties have been identified as the highest contributors of new HIV infections among adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years.
Data from the HIV estimates 2023 released on Friday showed that Kisumu had the highest number of new infections in 2022 with 335 cases.
Homa Bay followed with 313 cases, Siaya with with 251, Migori with 197, Nakuru with 196, Nairobi with 187, Uasin Gishu with 122, Kisii with 111, Kajiado with 101 and Kakamega with 196 cases.
The report released by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council shows the 10 counties contribute 59 per cent of the new infections in this age group.
“When we look at HIV within our country, women aged between 10 to 24 years are approximately four times likely to get infected with HIV than young men. One of the reasons is intergeneration sex,” Janet Musimbi from the NSDCC said.
As per the data, Trans Nzoia had 81 new infections in 2022, Kericho 74, Mombasa 73, Narok 71, Machakos 71, Busia 69, Kiambu 67, Turkana 66, Meru 63, Nandi 62, Bungoma 57, Kitui 56, Bomet 51, Makueni 44, Nyamira 43, Kilifi 40, Vihiga 39, Murang’a 31, Laikipia 31 and Samburu 30.
Other counties which recorded new infections in 2022 include Baringo 26, Kwale 25, Nyeri 24, Embu 22, Elgeyo Maraket 22, Kirinyaga 20, Tharaka Nithi 16, Nyandarua 15, Taita Taveta 13 and West Pokot 11.
Isiolo, Marsabit, Lamu, Tana River, Mandera, Garissa and wajiir counties recorded numbers lower than 10 at 1 7, 5, 3,3,3,2 and 1 cases respectively.
