Kenyans are urged to lace up their running shoes and join the World AIDS Day Half Marathon on December 1, 2024 in a powerful display of solidarity against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This urgent call to action by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) aims to raise awareness and combat the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on men and boys in Kenya.
The race, set to take place at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, was officially launched on October 30, 2024, by Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, alongside Dr. Ruth Laibon Masha, CEO of the NSDCC, and Board Chairperson Geoffrey Gitu.
Dr. Barasa described the race as a powerful move in solidarity with the fight against HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. “We cannot afford to be complacent,” she urged. “Every Kenyan has a role to play in ending this epidemic.”
Dr. Masha, CEO of NSDCC, highlighted the alarming trend of AIDS-related deaths among men. “While we’re making progress among women, we’re leaving men and children behind,” she stated. “Many men are diagnosed late, leading to preventable complications. We need to move faster.”
The marathon is not just a race; it’s a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change. It’s a chance for Kenyans to unite against the “triple threat” of HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence.
Dorothy Onyango, CEO of Women Fighting Against AIDS in Kenya (WOFAK), called on Kenyan athletes to join the marathon and become ambassadors for the campaign. “Athletes have the power to inspire and educate,” she said. “Their participation can make a real difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
The Ministry of Health fully supports this initiative, aligning with its goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Recent data shows a significant decline in AIDS-related deaths in Kenya, dropping from 58,446 in 2013 to 18,473 in 2022. New infections have also decreased, from 101,448 in 2013 to 22,154 in 2022. However, the fight is far from over.
The marathon will feature several events, including a 21 km half marathon, a 5 km fun run, a 2 km kids’ race, and a 10 km wheelchair race. It’s an opportunity for Kenyans of all ages and abilities to come together and make a difference.
Join the movement. Run for a cause. Together, we can end AIDS.
To register for the marathon or learn more about HIV/AIDS, visit https:wad24.nsdcc.go.ke.
