KDF Makes Major Move to Protect HIV, Health Programmes
Kenya has recorded an almost 80 per cent drop in new HIV infections since 2010, placing the country among a small group of nations that have made major progress in the fight against the virus.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is moving to sustain its HIV programme after more than two decades of support through a health partnership between Kenya and the United States. The development follows growing pressure on HIV/AIDS programmes as external support declines, with the KDF now exploring ways to strengthen institutional ownership and maintain critical health interventions. The issue emerged during a meeting between the KDF and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), which focused on medical research, disease surveillance, and the HIV/AIDS response. The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, hosted a delegation from HJF led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Major General (Rtd) Dr Joseph Carvalho, at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi. The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, recently hosted a delegation from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Major General (Rtd) Dr Joseph Carvalho, during a courtesy call at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on August 18, 2026PhotoKDFDiscussions centred on strengthening cooperation in health research and healthcare delivery while exploring sustainable approaches to addressing emerging and existing health challenges affecting military personnel. The discussions come as Kenya records significant progress in its fight against HIV. According to a UNAIDS special report released in July 2026, Kenya has achieved analmost 80 per cent reduction in new HIVinfections since 2010, placing it among only seven countries globally to reach such a decline. The other countries are Benin, Eswatini, Lesotho, Nepal, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, with UNAIDS citing the progress as evidence that sustained prevention and treatment programmes can significantly reduce HIV infections. In Kenya, estimated new HIV infections fell from about 70,000 in 2010 to 13,936 in 2025, representing a decline of roughly 80 per cent over 15 years. New infections also dropped by56 per cent between 2020 and 2025,from 32,027 to 13,936, as access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment expanded. The KDF partnership with the United States dates back to 2003 and has been implemented through the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research–Africa (WRAIR-A) and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI). The cooperation has supported the KDF HIV Programme and contributed to strengthening the military's capacity in HIV prevention, care, and response over more than two decades. A joint team comprising representatives from the KDF Directorate of Medical Services and HJFMRI is now developing a roadmap and detailed work plans to guide the next phase of the health support framework and help sustain critical programmes for military personnel and their families. The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, recently hosted a delegation from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Major General (Rtd) Dr Joseph Carvalho, during a courtesy call at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on August 18, 2026PhotoKDF