Describe major events in the evolution of HIV/AIDS from 1982 to date in Kenya

HIV stands for Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin and mucus membrane. Once in the human body, it attacks the white blood cells and eventually killing them. This weakens the body immune system hence making it easy for micro- organisms to affect the body.

AIDS stand for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV causes AIDS after a continuous destruction of the body defense system. Common infections continue invading the body due to its inability to defend itself against infections. The person’s health deteriorates until the person’s death.

EVOLUTION OF HIV/AIDS IN KENYA
There is no clear information about the origin of HIV and AIDS. But several theories have been put forward to explain this. These includes: monkey theories, conspiracy theory among others.

HIV probably reached Kenya in late 1970s, it came from western equatorial region through east African countries like Tanzania and Uganda.

In 1982, AIDS is named and heterosexual transmissions are recognized. The following year, a virus that causes AIDS was identified which was later named HIV.During this time, World Health Organization (WHO) started its surveillance. The first cases of HIV and AIDS in Kenya was detected in 1984.It was first discovered among Nairobi sex workers.

There was plenty of evidence that HIV was a serious problem especially in Nairobi because of its spread among commercial sex workers (CSWs).

In 1987, world health organization formed the global programme on AIDS and following year, the Kenya Government through the ministry of health issues guidelines that patients should be told or made aware of their HIV/AIDS status. In 1989, president Moi ordered for the quarantining of patients with HIV but the order seems to have been quietly ignored.

In 1990, HIV and AIDS had spread to other parts of the country even when the Government still denied it.In Rift Valley for example, the peak was around 2%.By 1994 the prevalence peaked in Western Kenya at 17%.This made the Government to recognize HIV/AIDS as a critical issue.
In 1996, highly active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) is developed. A Kenyan cardinal condemned the use of condoms which lead to the increase of spread of HIV/AIDS.1997 UNAIDS (joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) was formed. At the same year, the Kenyan parliament approved national AIDS policy and formed the National AIDS council. By 1998, Incidence of HIV/AIDS increased. A large number of public sector employees died because of the virus.

From early to late 2000, various events on HIV and AIDS took place. For example, Kenya developed a five year National AIDS strategic plan and introduction of AIDS education in various learning institutions e.g Schools and colleges. From 2010 to date, Kenya has the highest number of HIV infections in sub-Sahara Africa. A study contained in the Global burden of Disease, published in the lancet HIV Journal, shows that the number of HIV new infection cases grew by an average of 7.1 percent per year in Kenya, This is one of the highest increases in the world.

HIV and AIDs has continued to be a serious disease. Many people have lost their loved ones and children have been orphaned.
There is need for more proactive approaches to countering new HIV infections in Kenya. It includes: Voluntary testing and treatment to avoid the spread of the virus.

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Kchris answered the question on November 9, 2018 at 17:46