As the world marks 40 years since the first reported case of HIV, Busia County has been highlighted as one of the counties with the highest rates of new HIV infections, particularly among young people. Recent data indicates that 43% of new infections in the county occur among the youth.
According to Busia County’s Coordinator for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Castus Were, the main contributors to this worrying trend are lack of awareness and fear of getting tested among young people. These factors continue to undermine efforts to combat the virus within the county.
Despite these challenges, Ms. Were noted some progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, which has dropped from 12% last year to 11% this year. She attributed this improvement to increased awareness among expectant mothers, who are now seeking early testing and treatment in health facilities.
Busia County Chief Health Officer, Dr. Wilberforce Lusamba, has called on parents to guide their daughters, especially those still in school, on family planning and reproductive health to prevent early pregnancies and risky behaviors. He emphasized the importance of counseling as part of this process.
Meanwhile, County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga urged the youth to uphold moral values and avoid risky behavior that could lead to HIV infection. He appealed to the community to foster positive behavior and educate young people on the importance of making responsible life choices.
Busia County’s leadership remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by the HIV epidemic, particularly among the youth, and continues to call for increased community involvement in prevention efforts.
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