The National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) has launched an extensive outreach program aimed at curbing the surge of HIV infections within the fishing community of Kisumu County.
In line with this initiative, the NSDCC is focusing on empowering 140 Beach Management Unit (BMU) leaders to spearhead efforts against the virus.
Kisumu and Siaya Regional HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Steve Kathaka, elucidated on the program’s objectives, stating, “The targeted BMU leaders will undergo a Training of Trainers program on taming new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and subsequently disseminate this crucial information.”
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Kathaka emphasized, “Data indicates a concerning rise in HIV infections among the fishing community, undermining the progress achieved in combating the virus.”
He attributed this increase to the migratory nature of fishermen and the prevalence of transactional sex, exacerbating the problem.
Moreover, Kathaka noted a parallel rise in teenage pregnancies, with up to 6,000 cases reported in Kisumu County in 2022 alone.
“The correlation between teenage pregnancies and HIV infections is alarming, as both traverse the same pathways,” he remarked.
SGBV, he further added, is rampant within the fishing community, particularly in Nyakach, Nyando, and Seme sub-counties, owing to the nature of fishermen’s work, which often entails prolonged absences from home.
During the launch of the outreach program at Asat Beach, Kathaka outlined the comprehensive training agenda for BMU leaders, encompassing HIV prevention strategies, the use of PREP and PEP, as well as adherence to Antiretroviral therapy and Tuberculosis (TB) drugs.
Acknowledging the challenges of adherence within the mobile fishing population, Kathaka stressed the importance of carrying medication while on fishing trips to ensure continuous treatment.
He reiterated, “As you go fishing, remember to bring along your medication to maintain your health.”
Additionally, the program aims to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which is on the rise in the region due to the Human papillomavirus (HPV), prevalent among uncircumcised men.
To counter this trend, NSDCC is scaling up Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision to mitigate the risk.
These interventions signify a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by HIV and related issues, revitalizing the fight against the virus within the Kisumu community.
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