Reasons why Kenyan teenagers are rejecting HIV treatment

mary kulundu

August 6, 2017 8:38 AM

High school going students are more likely to stop HIV medication or not even start it in the first place

A study by the United Nations revealed that teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, are more likely to stop HIV medication or not even get on the medication in the first place.

With 30 percent of new HIV infections in Kenya being among the youth, this discovery creates a new concern in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.

Some of the reasons highlighted for Kenyan teens not wanting to receive HIV treatment, according to the report, were stigma, discrimination and disclosure issues.

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According to the report, stigma and discrimination experienced at health care facilities leads to people opting not to acquire HIV testing and treatment services.

Other reasons included travelling long distances to receive treatment and long waiting times at the clinics to receive treatment for rejecting HIV treatment.

It is important to note that viral suppression rates stand at 63 percent meaning that those that are HIV positive are religiously taking their medication which helps reduce the chances of medication resistance.

The data was collected in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Source: The Standard