Religious leaders raise concern over rising HIV cases in Northeastern

by STEPHEN ASTARIKOWednesday May 6, 2026

Muslim Religious leaders drawn from SUPKEM during the meeting. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Religious leaders in Northeastern are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a “silent epidemic” of HIV and AIDS, calling for immediate, coordinated action to confront a health challenge they say is spreading under the weight of stigma and denial.

The warning came during a high-level meeting in Garissa convened by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem).

The forum brought together faith leaders from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and neighbouring Tana River counties to examine rising infections and the persistent hurdles slowing down the response.

Those present said deep-seated cultural beliefs and stigma continue to keep many people from getting tested, accessing treatment or seeking support.

According to NSDCC data, at least 1,895 people are currently living with HIV in Garissa county.

National statistics show that 60 per cent of people living with the virus are between 30 and 54 years old, while women account for about 65 per cent of infections.

Addressing the meeting at the Garissa government guest house, NSDCC official Halima Dahir said stakeholders must confront the scale of the problem without hesitation.

“We must live with realities. We cannot continue living in denial. HIV and AIDS is in our society, and we must [as] stakeholders, including religious leaders, join hands and use our spaces to pass the message,” she said.

Dahir noted that faith institutions have immense influence in shaping public behaviour, pointing out that more than 97 per cent of Kenyans identified with a religious affiliation in the 2019 Census.

“Places of worship provide wide congregational reach and geographical coverage. Your role in the fight against this scourge cannot be overestimated,” she added.

Leaders at the forum pressed for a more deliberate and unified campaign. Sheikh Mohamed Noor of Tana River urged stronger community sensitisation so that information reaches people at the grassroots.

“As religious leaders, we must leverage our extensive networks to openly discuss these issues and foster awareness in our communities,” he said.

Sheikh Abass Hassan said HIV must be demystified and the so-called “triple threat” confronted head-on, warning that progress would remain elusive unless misconceptions are tackled directly.

He also said weak parental guidance during adolescence leaves many young people exposed to risk.

“Parents must ensure their children are engaged in religious institutions, which remain vital spaces for instilling values and guiding behaviour,” he said.

Dr Hussein Iman, director of health and sanitation at Supkem, said efforts should focus on engaging men and boys, improving health-seeking behaviour and reducing stigma.

He said mosques and madrassas provide an effective platform for reaching communities.

“We have resolved to use our extensive grassroots networks from mosques to madrassas and homesteads—to amplify awareness and promote behaviour change.”

Iman added that the wide reach of religious institutions across the region creates a strategic opening to take messages to village level.

The meeting also flagged other obstacles, including long distances to health facilities, dependence on donor support and the influence of urbanisation and social media on changing social behaviour.

While counties such as Mandera and Wajir have reported stabilised infection rates, Tana River has recorded an increase in new cases, heightening concern among participants.

By the close of the forum, leaders agreed that the region’s fight against HIV and AIDS must move from denial to action, with religious leaders expected to take a leading role in reducing stigma, promoting testing and encouraging treatment uptake.