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Post Date: March 29, 2023
Governor Wanga Commits to Champion Efforts to End “Tripple Threat”
Governor Gladys Wanga has pledged to lead the fight against the “Triple Threat” of new HIV infections, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and teen pregnancies among adolescent and young people in Homa Bay county.
Speaking during a joint breakfast meeting with health partners, key among them; the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), LVCT Health Kenya and the Ministry of Health, Governor Wanga emphasized the need for collective action to create a safer and healthier future for the county’s youth.
“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the challenges facing our young people. The ‘triple threat’ of new HIV infections, SGBV and teen pregnancies is a grave concern, and we must work together to address it,” she said.
Her sentiments were expressed by Homa Bay County Executive Committee Member for Public Health, Mrs. Roselyn Omollo who noted that even though the HIV prevalence rate was down to 16% from 21%, a lot still needs to be done.
The Governor pointed out that her administration is keen to ensure the Homa Bay County Sexual and Gender-Based violence policy framework currently in place, is implemented to help the innovative approach to addressing the triple threat.
“It’s time we intensify our efforts and work together in a mentorship structure to address our adolescents and young people,” Wanga said, adding that the governor’s mentorship camp recently hosted by the county was a key step to managing teen challenges.
The country director for EGPAF, Mr. Eliud Mwangi called for critical interventions across all sectors to clip the triple threats.
“This innovative approach to end the triple threat will set precedence for other critical health interventions in the county,” he said.
According to Dr. Ruth Masha, the CEO of National Aids Control Council, effective HIV reduction strategies have led to a reduction in the number of adolescent girls infected with HIV every week from 158 teenage girls in 2018 to 98 in 2021.
She commended the governor’s commitment, noting that the Triple Threat is a major challenge facing the young and adolescents across the country.
“We applaud the leadership of governor Gladys Wanga and look forward to partnering with her to end this crisis,” Masha said.
The Governor’s commitment to ending the “Triple Threat” is part of a broader effort to improve the health and well-being of residents in Homa Bay county. With collaboration and collective action, the county is poised to make progress towards a safer and healthier future for all.
