Poverty 'To Blame for Spread of Hiv'

from All Africa

The Nation (Nairobi)

By John Njagi And John Shilitsa
Nairobi

Poverty is hampering efforts to provide healthcare, as well as fuelling the spread of HIV, two officials have said separately.

The Central Provincial National Aids Control Council Coordinator Mr Leonard Kibe Ranji urged the Government to do more in assisting orphans and those living with HIV/Aids, noting that high levels of poverty in some areas were hampering efforts to provide care to those infected.

He also said that only five per cent of Central Province's four million people had been tested for HIV.

"I urge each and every one to go for testing because it is the first step to containing the scourge," said Mr Kibe during World Aids Day celebrations at the Whispers Park in Nyeri Town.

Cultural practices

Nyeri South District Commissioner Michael Mwangi said progress in the fight against Aids was being achieved gradually.

In Butere-Mumias district, poverty, cultural practices and drug abuse have been blamed for rising infections.

District Commissioner John Chelimo said youths and women were worst hit by because of their social obligations and lack of information.

Speaking during the World Aids day at Mulwanda market in Khwisero at the weekend, Mr Cheboi warned the youth against behaviour that exposed them to infection.

He said many of the young people had fallen prey to chang'aa (cheap liquor) and drugs and engaged in risky practices.

The DC asked the community to shun cultural norms that place women and young people at risk of infection.

Rampant rape cases had contributed to the spread of the virus, he said, and asked police to crack down on dealers in illicit alcoholic drinks.