Nyamira to engage communities to cushion against new HIV infections

Dec 2, 2023 - 13:50

Acting County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for health in Nyamira, Benard Maina addressing participants during the Commemoration of World Aids Day at Magombo health Centre in Nyamira County.

Nyamira

Saturday December 2, 2023

KNA by Deborah Bochere

Nyamira county health stakeholders have initiated a community engagement strategy to cushion against new HIV infections amongst the youths and newborns.

Acting County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for health in Nyamira, Benard Maina while presiding over commemoration of World Aids Day at Magombo health centre whose theme was ‘Let Communities Lead’, revealed that there is a high rate of teenage pregnancy in the County. which clearly indicates that the likelihood of teenagers contracting sexually transmitted diseases is very high because they are engaging in unprotected sex and are lured into child marriages.

“Though we have substantially reduced the new HIV/AIDS transmission rate in our county by 44% since 2019, mother to child transmission rate is still at 5.8% a worrying trend which needs concerted efforts to reduce these new infections by 75% by 2025 or at best end it for good,” the CECM commented.

“We have made tremendous milestones in sensitizing members of the public on how to avoid contracting and transmitting this killer disease which has no cure yet. We must keep up with the support spirit by everyone because if you are not infected, you are affected. No one should sit back and expect a society which is HIV/AIDS free, the entire community is a player in reducing new infections of this dreaded disease,” Mr Maina stated.

He confirmed that they have youth champions, mentor mothers, caregivers, community members living positively and other health officials who are a commendable support system for people still in denial of their HIV/AIDS status, battling with stigma and discrimination in their communities to assist them accept that they can live a quality life despite their health status.

“I’m highly indebted to our community health promoters who regularly interact with people living with HIV/AIDS and monitor their health progress further guiding them on recommended lifestyles which will guarantee them quality life and benefits of actively engaging in their day-to-day duties and errands, furthermore encouraging them to embrace self-care as long as they live,” the CECM appreciated.

Manga Sub County Deputy County Commissioner Medda Maonga advised parents to be alert and know the whereabouts of their children and keep on talking to them on the risks of engaging in premarital sex because they have lasting effects and contracting HIV/AIDS is one of them.

“Premarital unprotected sex endangers youths who risk getting unwanted pregnancies or contracting sexually transmitted diseases which will interfere with their good health, education and or career progression. The hopes of our youth’s bright future must be kept alive until they realize their dreams. Youths need constant reminders of what is expected of them on matters of health and how to make informed decisions on sexuality and reproductive health from parents, guardians and caregivers to reduce new HIV/AIDS infections in our region” DCC Maonga advised.

“It is shocking that the Abagusii community are still practicing the unacceptable Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a criminal practice which must be stopped so that our young innocent girls are not lured into child marriages or indoctrinated that they are of age to engage in premarital sex which accelerates rate of new HIV/AIDS infections,”the DCC pointed out.

Courtesy; KNA