The National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) Kenya has a rich history rooted in the nation’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Here’s an overview of its development and milestones:
Kenya has the seventh largest HIV epidemic in the world, with an estimated 1.4 million people living with HIV, 70% of whom are over 35 years. The country is committed to achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets by 2030 and ending AIDS in children by 2027, as part of its effort to achieve HIV epidemic control.
2021-2024:
The most recent strategic framework emphasizes sustainability and resilience, aiming to reduce new HIV infections, improve the quality of life for PLWHA and strengthen health systems to better respond to both HIV/AIDS and other emerging health challenges. The framework also highlights the importance of addressing gender-based violence and other social determinants of health that impact HIV outcomes.
2020:
NASCOP continued its efforts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting its strategies to ensure continued access to HIV services. The program also focused on integrating COVID-19 responses with HIV services to optimize resource use and service delivery.
2017:
NASCOP launched the Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework (KASF) 2014/15-2018/19, which focused on achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets: 90% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 90% of those diagnosed receiving sustained ART, and 90% of those on ART achieving viral suppression by 2020.
2016:
Kenya adopted the “Treat All” policy, recommending that all individuals diagnosed with HIV should be initiated on ART regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage. This policy shift was aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines and represented a significant step towards universal access to treatment.
2010-2015:
The period saw significant expansion in the availability and accessibility of HIV services. NASCOP played a crucial role in integrating HIV services with general healthcare, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to health. The third National AIDS Strategic Plan (2009-2013) and the subsequent plans emphasized scaling up ART, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), and male circumcision as a preventive measure. In 2012, Kenya introduces Option B+ for PMTCT, providing lifelong ART for all HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women.
2005:
NASCOP introduced the first edition of the Kenya HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act, which provided a legal framework for the national response to HIV/AIDS.
2003:
The Ministry of Health ,under the leadership of NASCOP, launched the first National AIDS Strategic Plan (2000-2005), which aimed to reduce new HIV infections, provide care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and mitigate the epidemic’s social and economic impact.
2000-2003:
With the advent of the global HIV/AIDS crisis, NASCOP’s role became even more critical. The program began to scale up its activities, particularly in the areas of prevention, care, and treatment. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) marked a significant milestone.
1990s:
During this decade, NASCOP expanded its efforts to include public awareness campaigns, condom promotion, and the development of policies and guidelines for HIV/AIDS management. Efforts were also directed at training healthcare providers and improving laboratory services for better diagnosis and monitoring. The Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS) was conducted, providing data on HIV prevalence, knowledge, and behaviors.
1987:
NASCOP was established within the Ministry of Health in response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kenya. Its initial focus was on surveillance, prevention, and control of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
1985:
The Kenyan government establishes the National AIDS Control Council (NACC) to coordinate the national response to HIV/AIDS.
1984:
The first case of HIV is reported in Kenya.
