By Anchor Health Writer

Machakos County is facing a concerning maternal-to-child HIV transmission rate of 14.7%, significantly higher than the national average of 8.5%, even as overall prevalence in the county remains relatively low at 4.5%.

The alarming statistic was spotlighted during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, where UNAIDS pledged increased technical and financial support to Kenya’s HIV/AIDS response.

The country is estimated to have 1.5 million people living with HIV, with new infections remaining high—especially among adolescents and young adults.

UNAIDS Country Director Dr. Grace Nyambura noted the urgency of addressing transmission gaps across counties.

“While Kenya has made strides in reducing overall HIV prevalence, we are concerned by regional disparities, particularly in maternal-to-child transmission. These gaps need targeted, county-level action,” she said.

In Machakos, county health officials are ramping up efforts to turn the tide.

“We are expanding access to antiretroviral prophylaxis for expectant mothers and scaling up early testing and counseling programs,” said Dr. Florence Mueni, Machakos County Director of Health. “But the numbers show we have more work to do, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.”

The county government has invested in community outreach campaigns and strengthened mother-child care services across public health facilities. Health workers are also being trained to ensure that HIV-positive expectant mothers receive uninterrupted treatment and follow-up care after delivery.

“Our goal is zero new infections among infants,” said Nurse Esther Katunge from Matuu Level 4 Hospital. “But stigma, late diagnosis, and treatment gaps are real barriers. We need sustained education at the community level.”

With the added support from UNAIDS, officials hope to integrate more mobile testing units, improve data tracking, and eliminate stock-outs of antiretroviral drugs.