Leaders in HIV-prone areas spring to action
Pills of antiretroviral (ARV) medicine. Governors from Western Kenya counties that bear the burden of high HIV/Aids infections have vowed to step up measures to curb the pandemic. PHOTO | AFP | FILE |
What you need to know:
- Kisii Governor James Ongwae said he has launched an initiative dubbed “making HIV prevention everyone’s businesses.”
- Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, who also spoke on phone, said his county has one of the highest maternal deaths and HIV prevalence rates.
- Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti told the Nation by phone that his government has formed an inter-sectorial committee to lay out strategies to combat the virus.
Governors from Western Kenya counties that bear the burden of high HIV/Aids infections have vowed to step up measures to curb the pandemic.
Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti told the Nation by phone that his government has formed an inter-sectorial committee to lay out strategies to combat the virus.
“I feel disturbed every time my county emerges the top despite all the efforts we are making.
“In the next HIV/Aids survey, Homa Bay must climb down,” he said.
Mr Awiti ordered a mandatory campaign against the virus in all public meetings.
Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, who also spoke on phone, said his county has one of the highest maternal deaths and HIV prevalence rates.
“I challenge the people infected with HIV to take responsibility and help in reducing its spread,” he said.
LACK OF EQUIPMENT
Mr Rasanga said that the challenge the county is facing is lack of equipment for monitoring viral loads of the people with HIV.
Kisii Governor James Ongwae said he has launched an initiative dubbed “making HIV prevention everyone’s businesses.”
He said it involves the county government officials, health workers and residents who have all vowed to fight the scourge as a united front.
“The epidemic is a serious health crisis that demands a strong and sustained response,” he told the Nation by phone.
According to a National HIV and Aids Estimates Report that was released recently, Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Kisii and Busia have the highest prevalence rates of between 10 and 28 per cent.
The report says that Homa Bay has the highest new infections with 25.7 per cent Siaya (23.7), Kisumu (19.3) Migori (14.7) Kisii (8.0) and Busia (6.8 per cent).
Exchange of sex for fish around Lake Victoria and wife inheritance have been cited as major contributors for the spread of HIV.
