NCPD AND NACC CONVENE THE REGIONAL AND COUNTY COMMMISSIONERS TO ADDRESS THE TRIPLE THREATS
NCPD AND NACC CONVENE THE REGIONAL AND COUNTY COMMMISSIONERS TO ADDRESS THE TRIPLE THREATS; ENDING NEW HIV INFECTIONS, ADOLESCENT PREGNANCIES AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN KENYA
The National Council For Popuation and Development and the National AIDS Control Council (NACC) have jointly concluded a three-day workshop with all the 8 Regional and (47) County Commissioners with the aim of sensitizing them on their role towards ending the triple threats. The workshop took stock of the progress made, shared and documented best practices, guided on strategic focus on prevention and ending the triple threats.
The workshop held from 6th -10th April in mombasa was presided over by the CS Interrior and Coordination of the National Government Dr. Fred Matiang’i, The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health Ms. Susan Mochache flanked by the DG NCPD Dr. Mohamed Sheikh and the CEO, NACC Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha.
Speaking during the opening ceremony Dr. Matiang’i reiterated the commitment of the Government in addressing the triple threats in a one government approach. “We need to effectively put our efforts where they are needed in tackling the triple threat. We need to translate the regional coordinator, Chiefs, ACC are trained on how to collect data. So that we are useful to the necessary institutions.” Noted Dr. Matiang’i
Speaking during the workshop, the DG NCPD decried the issue of the triple threats and called on all efforts to end the menace, “Triple Threat problem-teenage pregnancy, new HIV infection, and gender-based violence indicative of our commitment to end these problems. It’s a win for this impending problem. Collective efforts will go a long way.” Dr. Mohamed Sheikh.
On her part the CEO NACC Dr. Ruth called for critical interventions in all sectors to clip the the triple threats, “Triple threat – teenage pregnancy, new HIV infection, and gender-based violence strategy will set a precedence for other critical health interventions in Kenya”, Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha.
According to the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), adolescent girls face a myriad of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) challenges. These include pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, drugs and substance abuse, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV). Overall, adolescents bear the brunt of adverse health, social, mental and economic consequences.
Adolescent pregnancy greatly contributes to maternal and child deaths. According to World Health Organization, “pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death among girls aged 15–19 globally.”
The ICPD25 Kenya Country Commitments have set out to support young people by addressing issues of health information and services; complications of pregnancy and HIV infection; harnessing the demographic dividend; improving life skills and employability; education; ending female genital mutilation, child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence as well as other forms of harmful practices and discrimination. All these work to uphold the 2010 Kenya Constitution and attainment of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
