Young people must lead HIV fight, says PS Ouma Oluga
The Kenyan Ministry of Health emphasises the importance of youth leadership in the fight against AIDS, urging young people to influence health policies and services.
The Ministry of Health has called on young people to take a central role in shaping Kenya’s HIV response, with Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga urging greater youth leadership in decisions that directly affect their health and well-being.
Speaking at the Leadership Dialogue Meeting for Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Dr Oluga said Kenya cannot end AIDS without the voices, energy and leadership of its young population.
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The meeting was attended by Dr Douglas Bosire, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC); Dr Caroline Mwangi, representing the Head of the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme (NASCOP); Dr Andrew Mluwa; KMTC leadership; county representatives; adolescents and young people living with HIV; and KMTC students.
Dr Oluga noted that young people continue to face unique challenges that significantly influence their health outcomes, including stigma, barriers to treatment, mental-health concerns, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy and poverty.
These realities, he said, demand an HIV response that is not only technically sound but also rooted in an understanding of the everyday experiences of young people living with HIV.
Drawing from his experience in clinical practice and health leadership, he stressed that effective solutions require more than technical interventions; they must be grounded in an understanding of young people’s lived experiences.
He assured the young people present that the Government remains committed to supporting their needs and ensuring smooth transitions from adolescent to adult care so that no young person is left behind.
The PS also acknowledged the vital roles already being played by young people within the HIV response. He highlighted their contributions as peer educators, mentors, advocates and leaders in support groups, saying their proximity to the challenges makes them powerful agents of change.
He encouraged them to continue influencing policy discussions, reducing stigma in their communities, strengthening youth-friendly health services and supporting each other through shared experiences.
Dr Oluga further pointed to initiatives such as the NYOTA programme, mentorship opportunities and income-generating projects as key avenues for empowerment, education and improved livelihoods.
These efforts, he said, are essential in ensuring that adolescents and young adults have healthier and more empowered lives.
The Ministry said the forum provided a meaningful space for young people to share experiences, challenges, and solutions, further underscoring the importance of their participation in building a healthier, stronger, and more empowered generation.
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