Even as it emerged that HIV-related stigma and discrimination is still a big challenge in the fight against HIV and Aids in Garissa, the National Aids Control Council (NACC) has revealed that it will incorporate faith sector in fight.
According to medical health service providers, most adolescents and young adults prefer not to know their HIV status for fear of stigmatization and criticism from their peers and their local communities.
Speaking during the official launch of the Faith Action Plan of 2016, the National Aids Control Council chair said that they had already incorporated the faith sectors, which include congregational leaders and other religious leaders to help fight the mental killer and make a difference in eliminating stigma and discrimination
The council also noted that the public declaration of HIV status by the various religious groups shall lead to more citizens opting for the tests, thus significantly reducing stigma and discrimination.
Presently, AIDS is the biggest killer disease among the youths, mainly, the adolescents and young people. With these statistics, NACC has developed at least 970 local research studies that are available online to improve anti-retro viral therapy (ART) and also the quality of life among people living with the virus.