Ohio University, Main Campus

• NRSE 3700

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Kenya One of the leading health issues that Kenya faces as a country is the prevalence of the number of HIV cases reported each year. The prevalence of HIV cases reported can be directly linked to the social determinants of health that high risk individuals face. The health issue of HIV seen in Kenya can be compared to the prevalence of cases seen in the United States. This paper will provide extensive research on the importance of addressing the health issue of HIV in Kenya. I will then, discuss how at home testing kits, free condoms, and the use of antiretroviral drugs would decrease the number of new HIV cases seen per year. HIV Epidemic in Kenya The country of Kenya is a part of the joint third largest HIV epidemic in the world with approximately 1.6 million people living with HIV. High risk groups impacted by HIV in Kenya include sex workers, men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, and young people ages fifteen to twenty four years old. Majority of the population in Kenya lives in poverty and many women turn to sex work in order to provide an income for themselves. Men who have sex with men are at increased risk of catching HIV due to their sexual behaviors and vulnerabilities. Interventions for HIV prevention are limited for this group b