Sexual Assault in Children Threatens Kenya’s Goal to End HIV Infections by 2030, Experts Warn

The rising incidence of sexual assault among children in Kenya poses a serious threat to the country’s goal of eliminating HIV infections by 2030, according to a new report by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC). The report highlights that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in children is exacerbating the risk of HIV transmission and unintended pregnancies, presenting a major hurdle to achieving Kenya’s health objectives.

The report reveals a disturbing trend: young girls who become pregnant are at high risk of transmitting HIV to their unborn babies due to a lack of knowledge and resources for preventing mother-to-child transmission. Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha, CEO of NSDCC, stressed the urgent need to address the interconnected issues of SGBV, early pregnancies, and HIV transmission.

“If we do not act against the rising numbers of sexual gender violence, it will be challenging to end the HIV epidemic,” Dr. Masha warned. She expressed concern that while the reporting of sexual violence is increasing—a positive sign of heightened awareness—children and adolescents, particularly those aged 10 to 19 years, remain extremely vulnerable.

Data from the NSDCC presents a sobering picture:

• In 2023, 17% of attendees at Antenatal Clinics (ANC) were children aged 10 to 19 years, totaling 254,753 pregnancies.
• Among these, 13,239 were children aged 10 to 14 years.
• 23,456 children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years were sexually violated in 2023, including 3,403 cases involving children aged zero to nine years.
• Currently, 67,869 children aged zero to 14 years are living with HIV, with 4,474 new infections recorded last year in this age group.
• Each week, 62 new HIV infections occur in children aged 10 to 19 years.

The report underscores that 17% of all pregnancies in Kenya involve children aged 10 to 19 years, while 37% of all sexual gender-based violence cases occur within this same age group. Dr. Masha highlighted that reducing new HIV infections among women requires tackling the interconnected challenges of new HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, and SGBV among adolescents.

Despite available treatment and healthcare services, the report highlights poor health-seeking behavior among young people. Many lack the autonomy to access healthcare, and systemic barriers within healthcare settings further limit their ability to seek necessary care.

“First response care for survivors of SGBV typically involves providing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV. However, only 40% of those sexually violated report to health facilities within the critical 72-hour window, which is deeply concerning,” Dr. Masha said. She called for continuous education on the importance of health services for adolescents and young adults and advocated for making these services more accessible.

The report also addresses the ongoing debate over sex education in Kenya. Dr. Masha emphasized that comprehensive sex education is crucial for helping adolescents understand the risks of early sexual activity and the importance of protection, including condom use. “The issue is not just about providing condoms; it’s about ensuring that citizens understand the risks of unprotected sex and the potential outcomes,” she said.

Professor Nelly Mugo, Director of Research and Development Education at KEMRI, supported these concerns, pointing to the risks of HPV and chlamydia among young girls. HPV causes nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases, and some cases appear as early as age 25. Professor Mugo urged parents to ensure their daughters receive the HPV vaccine and highlighted the issue of chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection that silently causes infertility. “We are witnessing a chlamydia pandemic, with our data showing that at least 20% of young women have the infection. Unplanned sex among young people, often without the use of condoms, is a significant contributor,” she said.

Professor Mugo concluded by emphasizing the importance of keeping children in school as a critical strategy in addressing the triple threat of SGBV, early pregnancies, and HIV transmission. Education empowers young people with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and make informed health decisions.

Prevention Strategies:

To address HIV transmission, early pregnancies, and SGBV among teenagers, a multifaceted approach is required:

• Comprehensive Sex Education: Incorporate age-appropriate sex education in schools covering HIV prevention, sexual consent, contraception, and healthy relationships.
• Parental Involvement: Engage parents through workshops and resources to support open discussions about sexual health.
• Myth Busting: Address and correct myths about sex, HIV, and contraception.
• Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Promote youth-friendly health services for confidential access to HIV testing, counseling, and treatment.
• Mobile Health Services: Utilize mobile clinics or telehealth to reach underserved areas.
• Confidentiality Assurance: Ensure confidentiality in healthcare settings to encourage service-seeking.
• Empowerment and Life Skills Training: Offer programs to build self-esteem and decision-making skills.
• Economic Empowerment: Provide vocational training and economic opportunities, especially for girls.
• Community and Peer Support Programs: Empower peer educators and establish support groups.
• Engaging Community Leaders: Involve leaders in promoting positive sexual health messages.
• Awareness Campaigns: Use media to raise awareness about sexual health risks and services.
• School-Based Initiatives: Organize health-focused school events.
• Legal and Policy Framework: Strengthen laws protecting minors and advocate for supportive policies.
• Addressing Social and Cultural Norms: Challenge harmful gender norms and promote respect through community education.
• Reducing Stigma: Normalize discussions about sexual health and reduce stigma around seeking services.
• Parental and Guardian Engagement: Encourage open communication and provide parent training programs.

Implementing these strategies requires collaboration among schools, healthcare providers, communities, governments, and NGOs. By creating a supportive environment, Kenya can make significant strides toward reducing HIV infections, early pregnancies, and SGBV among its youth.