Kenya applauded for achieving HIV suppression levels

Head of NASCOP Dr Rose Wafula (Second right) and PEPFAR Country Director Brian Rettman (Second left), during a conference in Germany. [Courtesy]

Kenya has been commended globally for achieving viral suppression in HIV treatment and adherence, at the just concluded International AIDS conference in Munich, Germany.

The Kenyan delegation team, led by the Head of the National Aids and STI Control Programme, Dr Rose Wafula, attended the five-day conference themed "Putting People First."

The United Nations Aids (UNAIDS) targets of 95-95-95 epidemic control progress report launched in Munich show that Kenya has achieved 95-95-90 against a target of 95-90-86.

The targets ensure that at least 95 per cent of the population know their HIV status, 95 per cent are put on treatment and 95 per cent have their viral loads suppressed.

Speaking during the release of the report, UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima applauded Kenya's efforts for achieving viral suppression in HIV treatment.

"Kenya's current progress of 95-95-90 cascade reflects substantial advancement as reflected in the report," said Dr Byanyima.

In the UNAIDS report titled "The Urgency for now, AIDS at a crossroad," Kenya was commended alongside six African countries - including Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe - having reached the 95-95-95 testing and treatment targets for the general population

"Kenya is among the countries in Sub Sahara Africa that have achieved viral suppression of over 86 per cent target, proving that indeed, ending AIDS is achievable," said Byanyima.