HEALTH

HIV/AIDS in Kenya has been a thorn in the flesh not only in Kenya but globally. According to statistics, Mombasa County has a total population of 1,145,259 people. Out of this number, males comprise 52% while 48% are females. The National AIDS Control Council, NACC, reported in 2015 that HIV prevalence in Mombasa at 7.5% was higher than the national prevalence of 5.9% as per the Kenya HIV Estimates. The county contributed 5% and 3% of the total new HIV infections in Kenya among children and adults respectively. The County Government of Mombasa has taken the initiative to help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS through in-depth analysis of available data and information, and a highly consultative process. The plan entails a list of recommendations to keep a close eye on such as: 1. Elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and keeping mothers alive. 2. The National Guidelines for HIV Testing and Counselling, Couples and Prevention with Positives (Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention) 3. The Adolescents and Youth sexual reproductive health and development policy of 2003 and its plan for action (2007) 4. The Kenya Guidelines for conducting HIV and sexual reproductive health research with adolescents. 5. The Kenya National Maternal and Newborn Health Roadmap (2010). In order to attain the set objectives, responsive coordination mechanisms and structures are necessary. The Mombasa County HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (MCASP 2016 – 2020) has clearly defined the County and Sub-County structures that will work together, in a system model, to deliver on the plan. The following are the County and Sub- County structures: 1. Office of the Governor - This is the supreme office in the County. Headed by the Mombasa County Governor, this office will be responsible for provision of high level leadership, promotion of engagement with the national government, inter-county or bilateral or even multi-lateral negotiations and relationship in HIV response. This office will be responsible for the overall MCASP results. 2. County Executive Committee - This committee is made up of all the County executive officers and other senior County officers. The committee will provide a crucial link between HIV programs coordination and implementation with the Governor’s office. The Executive Officer in charge of HIV or health matters will be the focal person. Further, this committee will be a liaison point between HIV programs with other arms of the County Government such as the County Assembly, County Service Board among others. 3. County Health Management Team (CHMT) – This team oversees direct implementation of HIV and health programs. The team consists of health officials, the Health CEC, Chief Officer of Health and the County Health Director. The team is in charge of all HIV activities in the County. 4. County HIV and AIDS Committee (CHC) – This committee advises the CHMT and the County Executive on HIV matters. The unit advocates for HIV and AIDS issues and has strong representation of persons living with HIV. CHC reflects multi-sectoral coordination in the County. 5. County AIDS/STI Coordinating Office (CASCO-NASCOP) - A member of CHMT and is in charge of HIV related activities in the County. 6. County/Regional HIV Coordinating Office - C/RHC (NACC) – This office coordinates community and sectoral-based interventions (structural and behavioral interventions), mainstreaming and fosters demand creation for health services. 7. Sub-County AIDS/STI Coordinating Unit (CASCO) – A member of SCHMT and is in charge of HIV related activities in the Sub-County. 8. Sub-County AIDS Community and Sectoral and Mainstreaming Coordinating Unit SCACC) – Coordinates community and sectoral-based interventions (structural and behavioral interventions), mainstreaming and fosters demand creation for health services at the Sub-County level. 9. Community Units – These units ensure the smooth coordination of activities and results delivery at community level. The units are headed by a CHEW in line with the County Community Strategy. Research, Monitoring & Evaluation of the Plan: County response to the evolving HIV epidemic is largely influenced by a strong commitment to availing quality quantitative data in a timely manner for effective evidence–informed decision making and documentation of best practice. The County reporting and coordination of HIV and AIDS activities will include all activities from planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation for proper documentation in all programmatic activities, data from the community health units, health facilities, private and public sectors, state and non-state actors, and faith-based institutions and organizations. Health system delivery indicators will be captured through DHIS from the facility level. The County will build the capacity of DHIS across the entire spectrum, including providing the needed technology and building the capacity of the HRIOs. More personnel will be employed to bridge the existing gaps. Community based indicators will be reported through COBPAR. [REPORT: MARK MAINA KARIUKI - KASIDY RADIO]

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