By Amoto Ndiewo
Kirinyaga Central Sub County Health Officer Kennedy Machora has revealed that at least 12,000 out of 16,000 students have tested positive for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
While addressing parents of New Kerugoya Victory Academy over the weekend, Machora said medical staff in the Sub County health facilities where some students sought treatment were concerned after majority of them tested positive.
“The situation necessitated an emergency meeting between the Ministry of Education, the local security team, and the Ministry of Health via the Public Health Department to discuss how to carry out tests in schools,” said Machora.
He said officials from the Ministry of Education visited schools and had an agreement with the school management to administer tests on all students.
Machora said there are concerns that many more students may be infected but are unaware of their status.
He explained that the data was from January to June this year and that officials are still waiting for results from July to December.
Machora said investigations show that most students engage in unprotected sex during school closing and opening days.
He urged parents to ensure their children attended church services and their movements monitored keenly.
