Key highlights on progress made in various surveillance initiatives with the goal of improving public health outcomes and advancing towards epidemic control in Kenya.
1. HIV Case-based Surveillance (CBS) has been successfully implemented in all EMR sites nationwide and select paper-based sites in Migori. Counties now receive monthly public health response reports, also available via a self-service portal. This system is being enhanced to monitor additional indicators for improved epidemic control.
2. Recent HIV-1 Infection Surveillance has been deployed across 40 PEPFAR-supported counties, targeting individuals 15 years and older. This initiative has provided valuable insights into new HIV infection drivers and highlighted high recent infection rates in counties with low HIV coverage. The program is now undergoing restructured with a new protocol focusing on MCH/ANC settings.
3. Mortuary-based HIV-associated Mortality Surveillance has been rolled out in 8 strategically selected counties, with data collection nearing completion in the final two. Preliminary findings suggest potentially higher HIV prevalence among decedents compared to general population projections from KENPHIA 2018.
4. Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) has been successfully conducted in nine counties: Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, Kilifi and Mombasa. This survey targeted four key population groups: MSM, FSW, PWID and TG. Data analysis is in progress, with preliminary findings expected within a month.
5. KENPHIA II: Plans are underway, with the protocol under review by IRBs. Training materials and SOPs are being developed, and procurement and staff recruitment processes have been initiated at various levels. Data collection for this important survey is anticipated to commence early next year.
