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Is Mombasa on track to end HIV by 2030

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TURNING THE TIDE By SHARON OTISO Is Mombasa on Track to End HIV by 2030? Progress, pressure, and the long road toward an AIDS-free generation Mombasa has made significant strides in its fight against HIV. Over the past decade, new infections have dropped sharply, treatment coverage has expanded, and awareness campaigns have reached more communities than ever before. Yet despite this progress, the question remains: is the coastal county truly on track to end HIV by 2030? HIV infections have reduced in Mombasa . Health data shows a mixed picture. According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, Mombasa has achieved a 65% reduction in new HIV infections over the last ten years , while antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage has reached about 96% of people living with HIV . These gains place the county among Kenya’s better-performing regions in HIV response. However, experts warn that progress does not mean victory. Progress That Cannot Be Ignored One of Mombasa’s strongest achi...

Why women remain at the center of the HIV epidemic in the coastal city

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  TURNING THE TIDE By SHARON OTISO Women and HIV in Mombasa: The Hidden Burden Why women remain at the center of the HIV epidemic in the coastal city In Mombasa, where the rhythm of coastal life blends tourism, trade, and culture, a quieter crisis continues to affect thousands of women. HIV remains a major public health concern  and women are bearing the greatest burden. Mombasa's vibrant coastline and economic activities mask an ongoing health challeng e According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, HIV prevalence among women in Mombasa stands at approximately 6.2 percent , more than double that of men at 2.6 percent. This disparity reflects not only biological vulnerability but also deep-rooted social and economic inequalities that continue to shape women’s lives. “Women in Mombasa remain disproportionately affected by HIV.” The Gender Gap Driving Infections Experts point to a combination of factors that make women more vulnerable to HIV infection. Biological...

Why adolescents and young adults are at the center of the HIV fight

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 TURNING THE TIDE By SHARON OTISO  Young and at Risk: The Growing Concern of HIV Among Mombasa’s Youth Why adolescents and young adults are at the center of the HIV fight In Mombasa’s bustling streets and coastal neighborhoods, young people make up a vibrant and energetic part of the population. But beneath this promise lies a growing public health concern  HIV infections among adolescents and young adults. Health experts warn that this group is increasingly vulnerable, raising concerns about the future of the fight against HIV in the county. Youths participating in World AIDS Day According to the World Health Organization, young people remain among the most at-risk populations globally. In Mombasa, where youth aged 10 to 24 account for nearly a third of the population, the stakes are particularly high. While overall HIV infections have declined, new cases among young people continue to pose a challenge.   Risk Factors Driving Infections A combination of social, econ...

Why the coastal city continues to battle new infections even as treatment improves

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TURNING THE TIDE By  SHARON OTISO Why the coastal city continues to battle new infections even as treatment improves Mombasa’s turquoise coastline, thriving tourism, and role as East Africa’s busiest port present a picture of growth and opportunity. But beneath this vibrancy lies a persistent public health concern HIV. According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, the county’s HIV prevalence stands at about 4.4 percent, translating to more than 54,000 people living with HIV, higher than Kenya’s national average. While new infections have dropped by an impressive 65 percent over the past decade, the virus continues to affect thousands of residents each year, highlighting a gap between progress and reality. City of Opportunity  and Hidden Risk Mombasa’s identity as a global tourist destination and trade hub contributes to its vulnerability. The constant movement of people including traders, seafarers, and tourists  increases social interactions that can he...

Daily Habits Helping Professionals Sharpen Their Minds and Thrive at Work

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  WELLNESS & WORKPLACE By Sharon Otiso Daily Habits Helping Professionals Sharpen Their Minds and Thrive at Work As workplace pressures grow, experts say mental well-being routines are becoming essential for productivity, focus and long-term success. “Taking care of your mind is no longer separate from career success, it is part of it.”                               Dr. Queentah Wambulwa, Workplace Wellness Consultant Dr Quentaah Wambulwa For years, workplace wellness conversations have centered on gym memberships, step counts and healthy eating plans. But for a growing number of professionals the conversation is shifting beyond physical fitness toward a broader focus on mental well-being. As the demands of modern work continue to rise, experts say daily habits that support emotional balance, mental clarity and stress management are becoming just as important as exercise in sustaining peak performance. ...