A section of women living with HIV/AIDs in Lugari Sub County have partly attributed rising levels of stigma among individuals affected by the scourge to continuous negligence by both government and non-governmental institutions in the area.
Lugari PolePole Support Group coordinator Mrs. Irene Murunga made the remark when she addressed the press at Lumakanda when the group officially received eight dairy cattle by Kakamega County’s Affirmative Action programme.
“It is sad to note efforts by people living with HIV/AIDs to access funding from both government and nongovernmental institutions in Kakamega County have always met stiff resistance from those in charge of social welfare funds,” alleged Ms. Murunga.
Murunga sensationally alleged some state and NGOs officials had openly displayed their reluctance on funding groups believed to comprise of individuals living positive
“It’s so disappointing that some official openly call us the walking graves,” claimed the outspoken official.
The official, however, lauded Kakamega County legislator, Mrs. Rachel Ameso, who is in charge of the Affirmative Action programme, for accepting to fund her group, “and this comes after several stakeholders rejected the very proposal which has given us the eight
dairy cows today,” added Ms. Murunga.
“Ameso’s gesture should serve as a strong statement to other stakeholders,” said Ms. Murunga.
Her sentiments were echoed by the group’s Chairlady, Mrs. Roselida Barasa, who urged both the national and county governments to fully recognize all welfare groups for individuals living with the AIDs scourge.
“This is because the war against spread of HIV/AID can easily be won if the two levels of government fully involve participation of individuals living with the disease,” noted Ms. Barasa.
Ms. Barasa further regretted the governments and other stakeholders neglect towards people living HIV/AIDs, saying the same was partly to blame for what she described as increasing levels of stigma among the group countrywide.
The officer in charge of Affirmative Action Kitty in Lugari Sub County Mrs. Alice Ombima, who represented the County legislator, urged all stakeholders to reach to the aid of HIV/AIDs persons, noting such individuals need a lot of support to enable them have a sense of social belonging.
“HIV/AIDs patients should be treated like other vulnerable members of society,” said Mrs. Ombima, who further urged all beneficiaries under the Affirmative Action programme in the county to invest wisely into viable and sustainable projects in order to boost sources of
livelihoods as well as living standards.
The function was attended by staff from agriculture and livestock departments led by Sub County Livestock Development Officer, Mr. Wellington Mang’oli.