Kiambu: Officials from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) have held a strategic meeting with the Kiambu County Health Management Team (CHMT), led by County Director of Health Dr. Hillary Kagwa, to address the rising health and social challenges facing adolescents in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, in a collaborative effort to combat the Triple Threats of teen pregnancies, HIV infections, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the two teams discussed practical strategies to enhance coordination among stakeholders and promote sustainable interventions that protect and empower young people.
During the meeting, both teams acknowledged the increasing vulnerability of adolescents to these interlinked challenges, stressing that teen pregnancies, HIV, and SGBV contribute to cycles of poverty, stigma, and limited opportunities. They called for a more united and evidence-based response to break these cycles and support youth development.
Dr. Kagwa highlighted the county government's ongoing initiatives to improve community health systems, expand youth-friendly services, and strengthen health education programs in schools and local communities. He emphasized that while Kiambu has made progress in promoting adolescent health, more targeted and coordinated efforts are required to reduce rising cases and ensure equal access to reproductive health services.
"The county is committed to ensuring that young people have the right information, skills, and support systems to make informed choices about their health," said Dr. Kagwa. "We must continue to collaborate with all partners to address the root causes of these challenges."
The NSDCC delegation reaffirmed their support for county initiatives through policy guidance, technical assistance, and public awareness campaigns that promote behaviour change and encourage open community dialogue. They also emphasized the importance of using data to identify high-risk areas and design tailored interventions that reflect local realities.
Both teams underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach involving the health, education, and social sectors, along with law enforcement agencies, civil society, and faith-based organizations. They agreed that empowering parents, teachers, and community leaders with the right information and tools is critical to preventing teen pregnancies, curbing new HIV infections, and eliminating gender-based violence.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration between NSDCC and the Kiambu County Government through joint action plans focusing on community sensitization, capacity building, and improved service delivery. The partnership aims to ensure that every adolescent in Kiambu grows up healthy, informed, and free from the triple threats undermining their well-being.