First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has attributed inequality between women and the men in their lives for the continued spread of HIV/Aids.
The First Lady argued that in many countries including Kenya expectations about women’s roles in relationships and at home limit their ability to have control over their sexual and reproductive lives and protect themselves from harm.
“Because of their biological makeup, women and girls are more susceptible than men to sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Men and boys face unique risks too,” she added.
She was speaking in Naivasha during the opening of the Upendo Village Social Unit where she lamented that gender inequalities also hamper women from pursuing an education, owning property or even starting a business.
“With an elevated status in society, studies have shown that women are less likely to fall victim to situations that would predispose them to HIV infection,” she stated.
“Whereas women and girls in developing countries may be among those most vulnerable to HIV infection, they are also the most potent agents in the fight to stem the epidemic’s further spread,” she added.
The first lady promised to open a mobile health clinic soon to support the HIV control and improve maternal, neonatal and child health services and will soon be coming to Nakuru County to launch it.