Kenya Faces Rise in Syphilis and Hepatitis B Cases

Kenya is witnessing an increase in syphilis cases, with Baringo County reported as having the highest rate of Hepatitis B infections.

Recent statistics show that about 1.8% of the population is testing positive for syphilis, according to a new report from the National Aids and STIs Control Programme (NASCOP) and UNaids.

Even though infection rates are on the rise, a surprisingly small number of individuals diagnosed with syphilis are seeking treatment. The report, titled “Triple Elimination: Private Health Sector and Professional Association,” highlights these findings recorded in 2022.

In 2024, 16% of those reported with syphilis were women, yet only around 9% of them received any treatment. Many cases among women were discovered during Antenatal Clinics (ANC), where they were also screened for HIV.

Last year, Kenya saw a total of 1,766,099 pregnancies, with 1,468,615 women going for ANC services.

Globally, at least eight million people were infected with syphilis in 2022, including 700,000 infants who contracted the infection from their mothers.

Frankline Sangok from NASCOP noted that despite the high syphilis infection rates, screening efforts are hampered by a lack of testing kits. He pointed out, “We have a problem with screening for syphilis because of a lack of kits for testing.”

Counties leading in syphilis testing include Laikipia, Nyeri, Nakuru, and others, with a mix of urban and rural locations represented.

Syphilis often presents as a painless sore at the infection site, with secondary symptoms like non-itchy rashes, fever, and flu-like signs.

The World Health Organization warns that if a pregnant woman with syphilis doesn’t receive proper treatment early on, she risks passing the infection to her unborn child, known as congenital syphilis.

To improve testing and treatment outcomes, NASCOP and UNAids suggest a few strategies, like addressing vulnerabilities that lead to new infections, improving access to quality healthcare, and building community resources for diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, with donor support diminishing, the ministry is relying on local leadership and aligning resources with national goals.

This report was shared during a public-private partnership meeting that aimed to involve various stakeholders in the fight against syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis B. Private health facilities have a crucial role to play in gathering and sharing accurate data for effective planning.

Patrick Oyaro from LVCT Health emphasized the importance of data for planning purposes. “Data is key. There is no way you will plan appropriately without data. This will help in procurement of commodities and treatment,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Hepatitis B affects about 3% of the Kenyan population, with Baringo County reporting 12%, followed by Migori and Turkana.

Nazila Ganatra, who heads Viral Hepatitis and STIs at NASCOP, pointed out that stigma surrounding the disease obstructs efforts to eliminate it. She noted, “Lack of awareness and stigma are among the challenges derailing the elimination of Hepatitis.”

Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, which may manifest as abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue, and other symptoms. If untreated, it can severely harm various organs and can be life-threatening.

According to experts, adhering to treatment can effectively control the virus and avert serious complications, with common medications like tenofovir and lamivudine being used by many patients.

Globally, around 304 million people are afflicted with Hepatitis, with Hepatitis B affecting about 254 million and Hepatitis C around 50 million.

In Kenya, NASCOP estimates indicate there are about 1.9 million people infected with Hepatitis B and C, with the majority having Hepatitis B.

Data from the Kenya Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (KENPHIA) 2018 shows a prevalence of 3% for Hepatitis B in the general population and 4.7% among those living with HIV/AIDS.

Ganatra mentioned ongoing research to explore the reasons behind the rise in cases in certain regions, but emphasized how stigma continues to limit access to care.

The Ministry of Health is working diligently to raise awareness, enhance screening, and improve treatment options through NASCOP. They aim to educate the public about the treatable and preventable nature of these diseases.

The ministry is also focused on eliminating mother-to-child transmission, testing mothers for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis during ANC visits as part of a holistic approach to disease reduction.