Kisii University Vice-Chancellor Prof John Akama has issued a warning to students at the Institution and outsiders with a high sexual decadence.
Prof Akama noted an increase of HIV/AIDS among the youth.
The Vice-Chancellor was speaking at the University today in marking Works AIDS day 2020 in context of COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are privy of young people living amongst us with HIV. This is not a death trap, we continue offering them guidance and counselling,” said Prof Akama.
He noted the high prevalence rates in the County and other Counties in the region. “Parents and other stakeholders must up their game. Irresponsible behaviour is unacceptable,” he added.
Prof Akama called on society to have a collective responsibility in the fight against HIV and COVID-19, “Let us implement policies and other measures as a team and not leave it on Government alone.”
According to the Kisii County Public Health Officer Dr Richard Okware, the objective in the fight against HIV/AIDS is to reduce new infections by 75 per cent, reduce AIDS-related mortality by 55 per cent and increase domestic financing of to the HIV response by 50 per cent.
In 2019, Kisii had 1,566 all ages new infections and 469 all ages HIV related deaths.
2,359 children are living with HIV in the County and a total of 39,049 HIV cases among people above the age of 15 years.
There were 4,280 young adults (15-24) living with HIV in the year 2019. A total of 50 deaths were recorded in the age group.
By Frank Akunga
