Teachers urged to help in the fight against HIV and teenage pregnancies

Busia, Wednesday, May 10, 2023

KNA by Salome Alwanda

Busia County Department of Health and Sanitation has urged teachers to support efforts to end the triple threat of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies and Sexual Gender Based Violence.

Speaking to a section of teachers during a sensitisation meeting at a hotel in Busia town on Tuesday, the area County Director of Health Dr Melsa Lutomia said that teachers should help in addressing the three concerns affecting adolescents and young persons by ensuring that they provide them with information on how they can protect themselves.

“Let us work together to deal with the problem. We look forward to a situation where there is change in terms of adherence,” she said adding that teachers play a very important role when it comes to behavior change.

Dr Lutomia noted that information to girls in schools remained a challenge despite the interventions being put in place by healthcare providers.

The County Director of Education James Ekaliyo urged teachers to be ambassadors in disseminating information regarding the triple threat.

“Those who have attended the sensitisation meeting should reach out to other neighbouring schools to spread the messages. Our schools should remain vigilant on matters of children health,” he said.

The Director of Children Services, Esther Wasige said that child protection requires participation of all stakeholders including teachers, echoed his sentiments.

The County Coordinator of AIDS and STIs Constance Were appealed to schools across the County not to stigmatise students taking ARVs adding they need to ensure that they are assisted to adhere to treatment.

 Courtesy; K.N.A