Health officials in Bungoma County have raised concern over rising HIV infections among women, with recent data revealing a widening gender disparity in prevalence rates.
According to the county’s 2024 health report, the overall HIV prevalence stands at 1.78 per cent. However, the rate among women is significantly higher at 2.53 per cent, compared to just 1.01 per cent among men. Kanduyi sub-county shows an even more concerning trend, with an overall prevalence of 2.88 per cent, and a striking 4.07 per cent among women. Similar patterns are reported in Webuye West and Kimilili, and even in lower-prevalence areas such as Cheptais (0.9 per cent) and Sirisia (1.1 per cent), women continue to bear the highest burden.
Health experts attribute the gender gap to men’s low uptake of HIV testing and treatment. Many men reportedly avoid getting tested, often relying on their partners’ status to determine their own. Additionally, some HIV-positive men fail to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART), resulting in high viral loads and increased risk of transmission to their partners.
There is also growing concern over mother-to-child transmission. A number of women in the county are not attending antenatal clinics and opt to give birth at home, often unaware of their HIV status. This heightens the risk of transmitting the virus to their newborns. Officials have stressed the importance of antenatal visits and hospital deliveries as crucial steps in preventing vertical transmission.
The HIV crisis among women is further compounded by structural and social challenges. Limited access to routine HIV screening, particularly during pregnancy, economic dependency, and cultural norms continue to place women at elevated risk. Many healthcare facilities that serve vulnerable populations such as Lwakhakha Dispensary, Kopsiro Health Centre, and Makutano Health Centre struggle with staff shortages, erratic medical supplies, and reduced external support.
Nationally, the HIV prevalence rate has declined from 83 per cent in 2003 to 7.3 per cent. However, this remains above the national target of 5 per cent for eliminating mother-to-child transmission, and the gender gap in new infections signals a persistent public health challenge.
The situation has worsened due to recent disruptions in international funding for HIV programmes, particularly following changes in U.S. government policy. Prevention services tailored to women and adolescent girls are among those most affected.
In response, national agencies are implementing a gender-sensitive, three-tier approach to address the crisis. This includes boosting domestic financing to support HIV programmes, ensuring continuity of essential services for women, and mitigating the impact of dwindling donor support. Without decisive action, experts warn that the county risks losing hard-won gains in the fight against HIV.
