Kisumu County commemorated World AIDS under this year’s theme; equalize. The event took place at the Kenya Medical and Training College (KMTC) in Kondele. The theme ‘EQUAQLIZE” is a global call to end inequalities that have slowed down progress in the HIV response worldwide. This is meant not only to end AIDS as a public health threat in Kenya by 2030 but also to eliminate all forms of stigma and discrimination in the provision of health care services. Equalize, therefore, is about embracing persistence, resilience, and empathy for others.
The county of Kisumu so far has attained impressive results of 93 percent of persons living with HIV, being aware of their HIV status. Those on HIV treatment stand at 93 percent and 96 percent of them have achieved viral suppression. The county recommits to the 95-95-95 targets of ensuring that 95 percent achievement on knowledge of HIV and access to treatment and viral suppression.
The event was curtain raised by a solidarity walk from Kisumu County Referral Hospital with the crowd enthusiastically matching towards KMTC Kondele campus, to show their zeal and will to fight the menace and remind the public of the tremendous improvement that has been made to curb the spread of HIV.
The congregation later settled at the venue where the occasion was graced by performances from various advocacy groups, all of which were geared toward creating awareness about HIV.
The Chief guest- Director of Public Health and sanitation, Mr . Fredrick Oluoch in his speech, pin-pointed the importance of ending new HIV infections, pregnancies, and sexual gender-based violence. He also acknowledged the effort of all the partners who through their dedicated work, have helped achieve Positive HIV response across the globe.
Mr. Oluoch reiterated the theme and urged various stakeholders to join hands with the county government in making sure that HIV is fully combatted in Kisumu County.
“The fight against the spread of HIV has been ongoing within the county for decades and even though milestones can be celebrated, there is still a long way to go in ensuring eradication and control of the disease. The creation of awareness on modes of contacting the virus has been a tool in making sure that the population in Kisumu County lives free of the virus. These measures however have been undermined by teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence. Therefore, as a result, no discussion about HIV can go without mentioning the two grave issues.” Mr .Oluoch mentioned.
Some of the partners include present the celebration included; CIHEB-Kenya, Tinada, Make Me Smile, Maseno University, Untold, PS Kenya, Maisha Empowerment Initiative, Agrochemicals, NAYA, Lake Victoria KMTC, and many more.
