By KPC Reporter
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) has reaffirmed the critical role of community partnerships in Kenya’s efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
This emerged during a strategic engagement between NSDCC Chief Executive Officer Douglas Bosire and the Board of the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK), led by Board Chair Jectone Chilo and Chief Executive Officer Nelson Otuoma.
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The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between government and community networks to enhance Kenya’s HIV response, with discussions centring on expanding access to integrated HIV services, increasing community participation in policy development and improving accountability through joint monitoring of the national response.
NEPHAK reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NSDCC to strengthen HIV awareness, generate community-led evidence and support the formulation of responsive policies that reflect the lived realities and needs of people affected by HIV.
The leaders noted that ending AIDS requires more than strong health systems, emphasising that communities remain at the heart of prevention, treatment and care efforts.
Community networks play a crucial role in reducing stigma, encouraging HIV testing, supporting treatment adherence and ensuring that essential services reach vulnerable and at-risk populations.
Their experiences and insights also help shape policies and programmes that are more inclusive, effective and sustainable.
Bosire underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships with community-led organisations, noting that meaningful engagement with affected populations is essential for achieving national HIV targets and improving health outcomes.
The engagement further highlighted the need for evidence-based interventions, stronger accountability mechanisms and community leadership in driving progress towards the country’s goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by the end of the decade.
By deepening collaboration between government institutions and community networks, NSDCC and NEPHAK said they are building a people-centred HIV response anchored on inclusion, accountability and shared responsibility.
The partnership is expected to support ongoing efforts to accelerate HIV prevention, treatment and care services while ensuring that the voices of people living with and affected by HIV remain central to decision-making processes.
