NAIROBI, Dec. 1 -- Some 1.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, a government official said on Friday as the country joined the international community in marking World AIDs Day, which falls on Friday.

Susan Nakhumicha, the cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Health, said that 96 percent of the 1.4 million people are on life-saving antiretroviral drugs.

"This is how we have been able to manage the disease, ensuring that it does not spread further in the population," Nakhumicha said during the celebrations that were held in Meru town in eastern Kenya.

She noted that Kenya has made remarkable progress in responding to HIV and reducing the number of infections.

The response includes delivering life-saving treatment across the country in over 3,000 health facilities.

According to the Ministry of Health, infections have also declined 68.5 percent to about 22,000 people annually while deaths have reduced by 53 percent.

The theme of this year's World AIDS Day was "Let communities lead."

Nakhumicha praised communities' crucial role in addressing HIV/AIDS, adding that the government has integrated HIV interventions into the primary care system.

World AIDS Day was set aside by the United Nations to show support to people living with HIV/AIDS and to remember those who have lost their lives to the disease.

  - Xinhua