GOVERNOR’S PRESS UNIT
Statistics have shown that over 27,000 people live with HIV in Bungoma County.
Speaking during an event to mark the World AIDS Day at Amtalla stadium in Kimilili town, Bungoma County deputy governor Janepher Mbatiany stated that trend is worrying and called on area residents to abstain from unprotected sex.
“Our dear County Men and Women in Bungoma County our population is 1,722,575 of which 27,458 are people living with HIV (PLHIV) representing 2.3% of the population,” she said.
She said that in 2023, Bungoma County recorded 524 new HIV infections of which 365 were adults and 159 were children.
Adolescent girls and young women contribute 11 to 45% of new infections. The international average of (mother to child transmission)MTCT Rate is supposed to be below 5% but currently its high at Bungoma County stands at 10%.
She said that Works Aids Day is marked globally purposely to increase awareness about the AIDS pandemic stemming from HIV infection.
“Today we join forces in the ongoing fight against HIV, express solidarity with those living with the virus, and honor the memory of those who lost their lives due to AIDS-related illnesses,” she said.
The DG stated that the number of adolescents and young adults living with HIV is very alarming.
DG Janepher Mbatiany
She affirmed that the high case of GBV cases especially in My Elgon, Kimilili, Tongaren sub counties are big contributors to HIV transmission.
High number of teen pregnancies as seen in Kimilili, Mt Elgon, Kanduyi contribute to the high infections in those relevant sub counties.
She said that the poor adherence to ARVs, for those who have been tested positive.Poor health seeking behavior especially seen in men as our Men present themselves late for health care High index of stigma in the county.
“HIV is not yet viewed like a normal illness like any other. The percentage of new infections per Sub county are Kanduyi (22), Kimilili(13) Tongaren (13), Bumula (11), Webuye west (11), kabuchai (10), Webuye East (7), Sirisia(5), Mt elgon(4) and Cheptais (4).
The theme for this year is “Let communities lead”. We are called upon to adopt best practices in our life and relationships as a way of combating this pandemic.
The task ahead for our Community health Professionals and our entire Health Care team is immense and we shall as a county do whatever it takes to assist you in the fight against HIV and also call upon all the willing partners to continue and increase the support.
As we conclude this day I am glad to report as Bungoma, as a county we are in-cooperating the HIV Exposed Infants (HEI) graduation to celebrate the milestones we have made as a county.
We are honoring mothers who went out of their way in adherence to care and treatment and ultimately came out with negative healthy babies.
Health and sanitation CECM Dr.Andrew Wamalwa called on area residents to abstain from reckless sexual behaviour which can risk their lives.
“Be worry of this disease, the stigma and how people talk ill after contracting it is very bad, be the first person to control it,” he warned.
Chief officer Dr.Magrina Mayama, Director Dr.Caleb Watta, partners and several people were present.
