Government and private employers have been urged to shun any discrimination against the HIV/AIDS affected persons.
Speaking at Kamwangi dispensary on Tuesday where she took patients through an AIDS counselling session, the dispensary doctor Mary Wangechi spoke strongly against discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with the virus saying that they are normal human beings who should be treated with respect and not contempt.
Wangechi noted that most cases of discrimination are against middle aged HIV/AIDS affected persons who he said are denied work especially in blue collar jobs.
"HIV and AIDS persons are normal people and the disease is like other diseases. Let us treat the infected persons with dignity. Discriminating against them and denying them company kills their morale easily," she said.
"The government has placed many efforts to counter this disease which has been in existence since the 1980’s. With its free ARVs programme, many of the infected people are now able to access the medicine without any hustle. HIV/AIDS testing is also free. Please take that initiative and get tested to be sure before it’s too late," she added.
Wangechi noted that the area had few infected people as compared to the surrounding sub counties. She however urged the youth especially those who completed secondary school education recently to avoid engaging in unsafe sex.
"I know those who completed high school had very little freedom and now that most of them are free, I urge them to avoid engaging in unsafe sex. Abstinence is the best option but if you must, please use the recommended condoms to avoid falling into the trap of getting infected," she said.