Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga has volunteered to champion against stigma associated with HIV/Aids in the county.
Odinga said she will traverse the county to speak in forums and meetings on the scourge.
She said it is time leaders stand up and talk about the disease that has brought about stigma and discrimination in the workplaces and society.
Odinga said women are the most exposed to HIV/Aids noting that she will use her position to enlighten residents about the disease.
“Talking about HIV/Aids is part and parcel of me, I did my thesis on this topic and as a mother I must ensure stigma is defeated,” she said.
Speaking in a governance forum organised by civil society organisations in Kisumu on Thursday, Odinga said fighting stigma will help in lowering the rate of new infections.
She said anybody who is HIV positive should not feel stigmatised but must be embraced by the society.
She noted that she will ensure that the awareness creation of HIV/Aids reaches every corner of the county to be able to capacity build every resident.
“This campaign will reach residents of Kisumu County wherever they are. Those infected should not feel ashamed as that will bring the stigma,” she said.
Odinga announced that HIV/Aids awareness creation and training has been mainstreamed in every sector in the county government of Kisumu.