A new report from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) shows that nearly 98,000 Kenyans live with HIV without knowing it.
The report, released last week, states that of 1.48 million people infected with HIV in the country, 93 percent have been confirmed through testing. This means approximately 98,000 people remain undiagnosed and continue with normal activities.
The report explains that undiagnosed individuals are the main source of new infections. Counties such as Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa and Samburu have high numbers of unaware people due to remoteness and stigma.
Among children the situation is worse. More than half of children under five years living with HIV are not receiving ART treatment. The report notes that a person unaware of their HIV status cannot start treatment or protect their partners.
