Kenya: Government Steps Up Action Against Triple Threat Facing Young People

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ending new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence among adolescents and young people. Dr Oluga made the remarks today during a mentorship and advocacy engagement at Mawego Technical Training Institute in Homa Bay County. The event was presided over by First Lady H.E. Rachel Ruto, EGH, under the Voice of Children Initiative, convened by the Office of the First Lady through the Organization of African First Ladies for Development. The PS said the three interconnected challenges threaten the health, education, safety and future of young people and require coordinated action as part of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda. Adolescents account for about 24 per cent of Kenya’s population, while 59 per cent of Kenyans are below the age of 24. In Homa Bay County, approximately 65 per cent of the population is aged 24 and below, underscoring the need for stronger adolescent-responsive health and protection services. Dr Oluga said the Government is scaling up prevention and early intervention through Primary Health Care. Community Health Promoters are