MoH launches 2024 World AIDS Day Half Marathon in Nairobi

The 2024 World Aids Day half marathon was officially launched Thursday morning in Nairobi.

The race is scheduled to take place at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi on December 1st and aims to raise awareness for the disease, emphasizing men and boys.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Health, Dr Deborah Barasa led the announcement, describing the race as a powerful move in solidarity with the cause.

CS Barasa, along with National Syndemic Diseases Control Council CEO Dr Ruth Masha and Board Chairperson Geofforey Gitu, introduced a more focused approach on men and boys to achieve the government’s target to end the disease as a public health threat by 2030.

Dr Masha acknowledged the disproportionate number of AIDS-related deaths among men, citing a lack of education and early diagnoses as a key factor.

“While we’re making progress among women, we see that we are leaving men and children behind,” the CEO admitted.

Accessibility to care and mental health support were key aspects that the CS hopes to improve.

On top of this, however, the event also looks to turn attention to the ‘triple threat’, which not only includes HIV infections but also unwanted pregnancies and gender-based violence.

“This year’s world aids Day commemoration is a rallying call for a focus on one thing: ending AIDS and confronting its associated risks, including new infections, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence,” the CS said.

Facts and figures

• Around 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV AIDS
• In 2023, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related causes, a 69% reduction since its peak in 2004.
• Kenya has the 7th highest number of people currently living with HIV in Africa (1.4 million)
• According to the MoH, 98% of those infected are receiving antiretroviral treatment.

The race

The event is set to take place on the 1st of December 2024 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. The headline event is the 21 km half marathon, but you can also get stuck into the 5km fun run, 2 km kids race, or 10 km wheelchair race.

“We have lost so many men due to AIDS-related deaths because they don’t access an early diagnosis.

“We are dedicating to really focus on how we can look at men and boys differently. “

“Today we gather here to unite our voices and actions towards a future free of aids and this half marathon is a powerful call to action. Challenging each one of us to contribute actively to Kenya’s health agenda.”