A 21-year-old man from Ndhiwa Sub-County is offering a story of hope and resilience in the fight against HIV, having lived positively with the virus since age 14. Now married with a seven-month-old HIV-negative son, the young man shared his experience during a media science café organized by the Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA), shedding light on the importance of early diagnosis, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and open communication in relationships.
“Being diagnosed at 14 was not easy, but I accepted my condition and started medication immediately. I’ve never stopped taking my drugs, and that has helped me remain healthy,” he said. “When I met my wife, I was honest with her. We made a decision to protect each other and our child. She takes PrEP, and I never miss my clinic visits.”
The young man was married at 18 and says his relationship with his HIV-negative wife is built on trust, education, and mutual support. “Her family was hesitant at first, but with time and information from health workers, they came to accept us,” he added.
However, his positive story contrasts sharply with the ongoing health challenges facing Ndhiwa Sub-County. According to health data from Pala Health Centre and Ndhiwa Sub-County Hospital, teenage pregnancies and new HIV infections are on the rise. From January to May 2025, 770 deliveries were recorded in the region, 200 of them involving teenage mothers. Among the teens, 35 tested HIV positive. Data from antenatal visits between January and March show 214 pregnant teenagers, with 40 confirmed HIV-positive cases.
“This is a serious public health concern,” said Bernard Otieno, Clinical Officer at Ndhiwa Sub-County Hospital. “Most of these teens come late to the hospital, and some don’t attend antenatal care at all. That puts both them and their babies at greater risk.”
Justus Ocholla, coordinator at research and renovation, added, “The roads in many parts of Ndhiwa are impassable, especially during rainy seasons. Many mothers still deliver at home, which undermines efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.”
In remote facilities like Pala Health Centre, where access remains limited, mother-to-child HIV transmission rates are significantly higher than in better-connected areas. Still, targeted interventions have made some progress. “We’ve seen a drop in mother-to-child transmission rates from 13 percent to 7.2 percent, thanks to ART access and prevention programs,” said Clifford Omondi Otieno, Clinical Officer in charge at Pala Level 4 Hospital.
Health officials also link rising teenage pregnancies to gender-based violence, poverty, and lack of comprehensive sexuality education. “We’ve encountered cases of young girls being lured or coerced into early sexual activity, often without understanding the consequences,” said Alice Michael, Coordinator of Community Health Services in Ndhiwa.
To address these issues, Pala Health Centre has rolled out several youth-focused initiatives, including farming projects for economic empowerment, regular health talks, and school re-entry programs. A notable effort is the Unga Teen Mothers Group in Kosewe Ward, where 40 young mothers meet weekly for mentorship and support.
“These girls share their experiences, get guidance from health professionals, and participate in community campaigns,” said Clifford. “It’s a small but powerful example of what support can do.”
Currently, only one of the seven wards in Ndhiwa has a functional teen support group, largely due to limited funding. Health workers and community leaders are calling for more investment to scale up these life-changing initiatives.
“The story of this young man and his family shows us that HIV is not a death sentence,” said Otieno. “With knowledge, support, and the right healthcare, people can live long, healthy lives—and protect their loved ones too.”
As the region continues to battle high rates of teen pregnancy and new HIV infections, his testimony stands as both a symbol of hope and a rallying call for stronger health systems and community-driven solutions.