County Marks World Aids Day in Oyugis
Homa Bay county, joined the world to mark the annual World Aids day on 1st December, 2022 in a colourful event held at Oyugis, Karachuonyo sub county hospital that brought together public officials and partners under the theme: “Equalize by Ending the triple threat of New infections, Adolescent Pregnancies, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.”
The World AIDS Day is observed every year on 1st December to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. It is one of the most widely recognized international health days and seeks to commemorate victims and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
The County Executive Committee Member for Health, Hon. Roselyne Omollo, who represented Governor Gladys Wanga expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders who joined the county in the spirit of partnership to fight HIV and AIDS.
“For the first time, we can see strong political commitment and leadership and we bring on board virtually every community organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations among partners to actively manage the epidemic,” said Ms. Omollo.
She was speaking during the AIDS awareness forum, when she observed that past achievements gained collectively in collaboration with partners, need to be sustained to further strengthen HIV prevention and management efforts.
She added: “There is need to harmonize efforts in partnerships to aggressively scale-up interventions to reduce transmission of new HIV infections to reduce morbidity and mortality.”
Dr. Kevin Osuri, who is the Public health and Medical services chief officer noted that HIV pandemic is still a public health issue that has threatened the existence of societies for decades.
He lauded the heroic efforts by partners, county health care-givers for being part of the team implementing HIV and AIDS programs in Homa Bay county.
“As a county we assure all partners that we shall continue working together with everyone to manage the infection,” Dr. Osuri added.
County Director for public health and medical services, Dr. Gordon Okomo urged the youth to refrain from behaviours that would expose them to HIV.
Area County assembly member for West Kamagak ward, Hon. Billy Noah Odhiambo revealed plans to pass legislations that will additionally to fund programs to help manage the epidemic.
In attendance were officials from county health promotion unit, national government officials, health partners including; Medicens Sans Frontiers, LVCT Health, AMREF USAID, PATH, WOFAK, Compassion, The Addis Clinic, Pathfinder among others.
