In a proactive move to tackle the pressing issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, the County Government of Uasin Gishu conducted a stakeholder engagement meeting on Thursday afternoon.

The meeting served as a pre-planning activity in anticipation of the upcoming World AIDS Day on December 1st.

During the engagements that were attended by Chief Officers Dr Paul Wangwe (Promotive and Preventive Health), Dr. Joyce Sang (Clinical Services) and Ambrose Tarus (Public Service Management) the stakeholders discussed and identified crucial areas of concern that require immediate attention.

Among the key areas were the rise in new HIV infections, the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies, the pervasive issue of drug and substance abuse, and the persistent problem of gender-based violence therefore highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies aimed at curbing these troubling trends.

According to the latest data, Uasin Gishu County’s HIV prevalence rate stands at 3.7% and a staggering number of 33,000 individuals are currently under Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV’s), emphasizing the significant burden of HIV/AIDS in the County.

The Chief Officers noted that the County Government is in collaboration with various stakeholders including community-based organizations, NGOs, and health institutions and is now gearing up to ensure the successful commemoration of World AIDS Day with a primary objective of raising awareness, educating the public, and reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS within the County.

On his part, Director of Health Dr. Evans Kiprotich noted that as the preparations unfold, they anticipate a series of events, campaigns, and initiatives that will not only address the aforementioned concerns but also provide a platform for community engagement and support thus creating a lasting impact and foster a healthier and more informed society.