Mombasa County recorded over 5,000 cases of Gender Based violence (GBV) in 2021 and 2022.

Health officials linked the violence to the  growing HIV infections in Mombasa which is among the top ten counties with highest HIV burden.

Out of the over 5,000 cases, 4,000 represent emotional violence, while over 800 of the cases were Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

The 800 cases of sexual genders based violence include cases of four women who died after a gang rape.

Celebrations

County GBV and Adolescent Health Programme Coordinator Selina Githinji said the cases were reported in Jomvu and Changamwe sub-counties.

“Three of the cases were reported in Jomvu and one was in Changamwe,” she said.

Speaking during the celebrations to mark World Aids Day at Bomu Stadium in Mombasa, County Public Health Chief Officer Pauline Oginga said violence had contributed to HIV infections in Mombasa which currently stands at 53,090 cases.