Stigma against people living with HIV/Aids in Kiambu sub-county has been cited as a major impediment in the fight against the disease.
Speaking during a workshop at Ndumberi grounds on Monday, Dr Melina Wangui from Kiambu District Hospital said the war against the scourge has in the recent months been hindered because of discrimination.
She said the stigmatised patients feel neglected and unwanted hence shy away from campaigns against the disease.
She revealed that most of the patients are the main campaigners in the fight HIV/Aids but when they share their stories, people start discriminating them and shunning them.
She said most of the stories and experiences shared are aimed at educating the public on HIV prevention and living positively.
She said the stigmatization is taking a toll on the campaign against the disease because the patients have been neglected by society.
The health official urged residents to stop discriminating the patients as it was even more dangerous for them considering their conditions.
She instead urged them to embrace the patients and show them love so that they too can feel like other people.
"The fight against the disease cannot be won if these people don't participate. Most of them share their stories so that residents can take measures but it is unfortunate that through this, they are stigmatised," said Wangui.
Wangui revealed that the war against the disease needs such courageous people if it is to be won.
She said the infection rate is on the rise hence the need for the campaigns.