With the Covid-19 pandemic introducing a new normal, there were no public gatherings and events to commemorate the World Aids Day in Bungoma County. According to Bungoma County AIDS and STI coordinator Mr. Kennedy Bomji, health officials decided to observe the Ministry of Health guidelines and decided to engage residents by visiting them at their homes and hospitals instead of holding a public commemoration. Speaking at Kayaya medical centre in Matulo, Webuye West constituency on Tuesday, he said that apart from sensitizing the community about HIV/AIDS, they had candid discussions about the Coronavirus pandemic, urging residents to embrace the Health Ministry guidelines. He urged people to come out for HIV testing and start medication early if need be.
He was pleased that 95% of those who test positive are attending clinic check ups, but noted that the pandemic has affected the regularity of patients visiting health facilities. He affirmed that measures have been put in place to ensure that health facilities are safe. On his part, Bungoma County Academic Model for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS (Ampath) coordinator Mr. Nick Obwamo who accompanied Mr. Bomji said that their major concern is to make sure that all those who test positive get medical services without facing stigma.
He encouraged youths who aren’t married to abstain and if they can’t, to use protection during intercourse as this will reduce the spread of HIV. Webuye West sub county HIV/AIDS coordinator Catherine Mwembe said some health workers have faced challenges when visiting homes for counselling and testing, and urged residents to be open to know their HIV status.