A Non-Governmental Organisation in Kisii has called on all stakeholders to join hands in the fight against HIV/Aids in the county.
The Daraja United Women and Youths Empowerment (DAUWOYE) CEO, Winfridah Abuya has predicted that new infections might escalate the prevalence to the initial percentage if concerted efforts are not employed to tame the pandemic.
"We are proud that the prevalence has depreciated to 5.8 per cent but we need to do a lot to get rid of the problem. The figures can rise if we don't engage ourselves selflessly to ensure zero new infections," Abuya said.
She added: "As an NGO, we have programs for supporting those infected with the disease. We offer guidance and counseling not forgetting testing in all our 10 health centers spread across the county.''
Abuya called on the community to accept the infected persons so that they don't feel discriminated.
"Let us not isolate those infected with the virus, we must embrace them as our brothers and sisters," said DAUWOYE boss.
Her sentiments were echoed by Kisii County HIV/Aids Coordinator Richard Onkware and Geoffrey Otomu, Kisii County Director for Health.
The duo called on the residents to accept those infected with the disease to avoid stigma.
The speakers were making the remarks on Tuesday at Gusii stadium during the marking of this year’s World Aids Day, an event that was presided over by Kisii Minister for Health Sarah Omache.
International Medical Corpse and Care Kenya were also part of the celebrations.