By Nyang’au Araka
For many Kenyans, a visit to a health facility is often prompted by illness.
But when it comes to sexual health, many wait until something feels wrong—sometimes only to discover that an infection can remain hidden for months.
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This was among the concerns highlighted as Kenya marked World Sexual Health Day on September 4, with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) calling for sustained access to HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, testing and treatment services.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of Kenya’s continuing HIV burden.
According to the Kenya 2026 HIV Estimates, about 1.48 million people are living with HIV in the country, with an estimated 13,936 new infections and 19,434 AIDS-related deaths occurring annually.
HIV prevalence among people aged 15-49 is estimated at 3.22 per cent.
The figures underline why, despite the progress Kenya has made in its HIV response, prevention and treatment cannot be taken for granted.
For someone who has never been tested, or who avoids a health facility because of fear of judgement, access to services can make the difference between early treatment and a potentially serious health problem.
AHF says the same attention is needed for other STIs, many of which can exist without obvious symptoms.
A person may therefore feel perfectly healthy while carrying an infection and unknowingly passing it to a partner.
Globally, more than one million STIs are acquired every day, with infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis continuing to affect millions of people.
“Sexual health deserves the same investment and urgency as any other part of a person’s health care,” said Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy, Policy and Marketing.
“Over our decades of experience, we know what works—testing, treatment, and condoms.”
For Kenya, AHF is advocating for routine screening for HIV, syphilis and other STIs, particularly among pregnant women and people at higher risk.
It also wants continued access to free or affordable condoms and greater integration of HIV and STI services, allowing people to receive testing, treatment and prevention services during the same visit.
The approach could also help tackle one of the less visible barriers to sexual healthcare: stigma.
When people can walk into a health facility, ask questions, get tested and receive treatment without fear of being judged, they are more likely to seek care early.
AHF says its Wellness Centre model, together with campaigns including “Syphilis Is Serious: It’s Curable. Get Tested” and “Just Use It!”, is aimed at making sexual health services more accessible and stigma-free.
Sexual health is part of overall health, and access to information, prevention, testing and treatment should not depend on a person’s ability to overcome stigma, cost or fear.
