Bill Gates: Kenya ahead of South Africa in fight against HIV

At least 1.2 million people are on HIIV treatment, an increase from 600,000 in 2013.

ARVs are used for treatment and prevention, including the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

ARVs suppress viral load which depends on the consistent and sustained use of ARVs.

Besides the USA which is the highest funder of HIV treatment and programs, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the other entity supporting HIV research and treatment.

But Gates regretted that despite the Foundation investing in the trial of tenofovir, a drug aimed at preventing HIV infections if taken daily, it did not succeed.

With 100 per cent compliance, Gates observed HIV would have been ended and "we were hoping that everyone at risk of getting infected would get it (tenofovir). However, uptake of the drug was very limited with less than 20 per cent."

Gates said the Foundation is working on a drug that offers 60 days and six months' protection against HIV and which will be available in the next four years.

Gates said the Foundation is also proud to have low maternal, neonatal, and under-five deaths reported in Kenya through various initiatives and he was also proud that the country has reduced deaths rate from eight per cent under five deaths rate to four per cent.

Gates jetted into Kenya Monday and has been engaging various scientists, small-scale farmers, and government officials including President William Ruto.