Kenya Marks World AIDS Day Amid Concerns Over Funding Cuts and Rising Teen Infections - December 2025

Kenya observed World AIDS Day with national celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium, highlighting a concerning increase in new HIV infections among teenagers. The commemoration comes as Kenya faces challenges from significant funding cuts, including a halt in funding for an HIV program by the United States. Stakeholders in Homa Bay and people living with HIV across the country have expressed concerns that reduced health budgets have exposed gaps in the HIV response and could impact access to treatment. Ahead of World AIDS Day, reports indicated a rise in teen pregnancies, sexual violence, and new HIV infections, collectively termed a "triple threat" impacting youth. In response, the government has announced strategies to combat the increasing rate of HIV infections among young people.