At least 200,000 pregnant women in Kenya missed HIV testing in 2023, significantly increasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, according to a new report by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).

The report, released in April 2024, shows that 3,742 babies,7.3 per cent of all live births to women living with HIV were infected in 2023.

This marking a worrying trend despite an overall decline in infant HIV infections over the past five years.

NSDCC’s Joab Khasewa, speaking during a media sensitization forum in Mombasa on April 9, revealed that the missed tests were due to women skipping antenatal care or refusing HIV testing during clinic visits.

“More than 200,000 pregnant women missed HIV testing due to non-attendance at their first ANC visit, which remains a major barrier to eliminating vertical transmission of HIV,” he said.

HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, early testing and antiretroviral treatment (ART) can reduce transmission risk to less than five per cent, with some high-income countries achieving rates below one per cent.

In Kenya, the national guidelines recommend opt-out HIV testing at the first antenatal visit, with repeat testing in the third trimester.

However, testing remains voluntary, and women who decline are encouraged to reconsider in future visits.

Among the 3,742 infant infections, 684 occurred during pregnancy after mothers stopped taking ARVs, while 727 happened during breastfeeding under similar circumstances.

An additional 585 infections were linked to mothers who became HIV positive during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The report also revealed stark regional differences. Wajir had the highest MTCT rate at 33.5 per cent, followed by Mandera, Samburu, West Pokot, and Isiolo, all exceeding 20 per cent. In contrast, counties like Migori, Kisumu, Murang’a, and Nairobi recorded rates below seven per cent.

Kenya aims to reduce vertical HIV transmission to below five per cent nationally. Experts stress that achieving this will require stronger community outreach, early antenatal care, and consistent ART adherence by mothers and infants.

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