World Provision Centre's VCT Director Simon Ngiki has urged residents of Athi River District, Machakos County to seek Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services as a way of reducing HIV prevalence in the region.
Addressing press at the World Provision Centre's VCT, Athi River Site on Tuesday, Ngiki said that it is important for the residents to make personal decisions to seek the for the services.
"World Provision Centre calls on all residents of Athi River District to seek VCT services to help reduce HIV prevalence rate," said Ngiki.
He claimed that the number of people visiting the centre is very low. He added that visiting the centre had enormous benefits as those found positive were put under care and treatment early enough thereby suppressing the virus, making their lives longer.
He disclosed that those detected to be living with the virus were counselled on how to protect themselves from reinfections alongside helping them live healthier lives by accessing Anti Retro-Viral Therapies and proper nutrition.
Ngiki said that the population should know that according to the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey 2012, 53% of Kenyans do not know their HIV status exposing them to more risks of getting new infections or re-infected by the virus.
He disclosed that according to the VCT records over last one year, majority of the population who visited it for services were men comprising 70%, while that of women were 30%.
The director said as much as media campaigns had expelled myths and misconception on HIV/AIDS in the region, there was need to sensitise communities in the region on the scourge arguing that there is high sexual activities along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway and neighbouring towns, thereby exposing them to more risks of contracting the virus.
Ngiki said World Provision Centre was working in partnership with Liverpool VCT to zero rate new HIV Eastern Kenya Region with its other VCT sites in Mtito Andei and Emali towns, both in Makueni County.