Parents have been urged to combat gender-based violence and monitor their children’s behaviour, fostering an environment where new HIV/AIDS infections among children could be curtailed.
Speaking during inauguration of a state-of-the-art Comprehensive Care Clinic at Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi, Taita Taveta County, Governor Andrew Mwadime commended AHF Kenya for their financial contribution and expressed eagerness for future collaborations to enhance the well-being of the community.
The Comprehensive Care Clinic, valued at Ksh 7.5 million, is envisioned as a one-stop destination for a spectrum of medical needs, including tuberculosis (TB) and HIV.
Despite facing criticisms from external sources, Governor Mwadime urged residents to focus on the positive strides being made in the county.
Highlighting recent accomplishments such as the establishment of an eye centre and plans for a cancer centre, he emphasized the importance of constructive criticism for the county’s development.
Gifton Mkaya, the County Executive Committee Member for Health, acknowledged AHF Kenya’s partnership and praised the new facility for providing a secure environment for patients.
He anticipated an improvement in the quality of services, particularly for TB and HIV/AIDS patients.
Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo led Voi residents in commemorating World AIDS Day, themed ‘Let Communities Lead.’ Addressing the gathering, she underscored the increasing HIV/AIDS infections in the county, rising from 3.2% in 2022 to 3.4% in 2023.
Notably, youths aged 15 to 24 accounted for 52% of the new infections.
Kilalo expressed concern over the impact on women and children, citing early pregnancies and gender-based violence as accelerators of new infections.
Despite these challenges, she revealed a decrease in mother-to-child transmissions from 11.2% in 2022 to 8.9% in 2023.
Providing statistics, Kilalo stated that 9,972 people in Taita Taveta County were living with HIV, with 7,588 under treatment.
The county’s commitment to informing and educating residents on safety measures was emphasized, along with plans to ensure all infected individuals receive treatment.
The event, attended by various dignitaries, concluded with a call for unity in following healthcare directives to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region.
By Michael Oduor
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