Kenya has one of the highest prevlances of HIV in the world

Women are disproportionately affected by HIV in Kenya, with 7.6% of women living with HIV compared with 5.6% of men (UNAIDS, 2017). Young women (age 15-24) account for up to 21% of all new HIV infections with a prevalence of between 4-6 times higher than males of the same age. However, only 56% of women and 66% of men have comprehensive knowledge about HIV and AIDS prevention and transmission (Kenya Demographic Health Survey, 2014).

Comparatively, Senegal is a model in the control of HIV/AIDS among African countries. The national HIV rate has remained below 1% for over two decades. However, this success hides a stark geographical disparity in access to education and treatment: only 3 in 10 Senegalese women have a comprehensive understanding of HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS, 2010). Teenage pregnancy is also a major issue in both countries. Across Kenya, 18% of adolescent women (age 15-19) are already mothers or pregnant (KDHS, 2014).

Teen pregnancy is a major health and social concern because of its association with higher morbidity and mortality for both the mother & child. It also has other adverse social consequences, particularly for educational attainment, as women who become mothers in their teens are more likely to drop out of school (KDHS, 2014). In Senegal, 22% of women give birth before the age of 18, with rural girls having a higher rate of teen pregnancy (25%) than their urban counterparts (12%) (DHS, 2012).